Clogherhead RNLI meet up with Chernobyl Charity at Drogheda Maritime Festival
Clogherhead RNLI were out in force at the recent Drogheda Maritime Festival and were delighted to welcome some important visitors to their stand and onboard the station’s lifeboat.
The last swim raised €6,000 for the Chernobyl Children’s Charity. The cheque was presented to Adi Roche, CEO of the charity at the RNLI station back in March.
Speaking at Clogherhead RNLI boathouse, Adi Roche reminded those present of the horrific explosion at the Chernobyl power station near the Belarus border 30 years ago. The ongoing effects of the explosion are ever-present in Belarus and funds raised are used to fund the treatment of the children.
Adi Roche praised Isobel Sanroma, the Drogheda representative of the Chernobyl charity as a ‘friend of the Children of Chernobyl’ with ‘tenacity, courage and bravery.’ Clogherhead RNLI lifeboat station mechanic Padraig Rath along with other RNLI volunteers have for many years organised the St. Stephens Day swim at Clogherhead beach to raise funds for a building project to rehouse children living in institutions. The charity has funded many buildings in Belarus known as Houses of Hope and money raised at the annual Clogherhead swim has funded one of the houses.
Commenting on the Festival Clogherhead RNLI Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer Gerry Kelly said, ‘On behalf of Clogherhead RNLI we would like to say thank you to the organisers and the members of the public for calling to our stand and lifeboat. It was a great two days and we met so many people who were interested to learn more about our charity and the lifeboat.’
‘The historic lifeboats added a sense of drama and spectacle to an already colourful event. The combination of the lifeboats, both old and new along with the Respect the Water Roadshow was a reminder that the RNLI encourages everyone to be safe in the water and to enjoy what the coast has to offer.’
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