Local school raises funds for Sheerness RNLI lifeboat station

The children from all years at the school were asked what charity they would like to support in a series of events thought up and organised by themselves.

Vanessa Sims, head of the Abbey School said: ’The pupils decided they would like to support their local RNLI lifeboat station, as living on an island and being surrounded by water the lifeboat volunteers play a very big part in the safety of the community. The amount raised was a brilliant £751 which is the largest amount ever raised by the schools for any charity.'

To raise this amount the children and staff took part in all sorts of activities including welly throwing and football games.There was a cake stall and a lemonade stand plus a raffle and lots of other activities all thought up by the pupils themselves.

Year seven pupils Amber Williams and Luis Trainer, along with year nine pupil Kian Trainer, handed over the cheque to Sheerness lifeboat coxswain/mechanic Robin Castle and 2nd coxswain Paul Jarvis at the school on Tuesday 3 May.

Robin said: ‘This is an excellent amount and we are extremely grateful to all the children for their efforts. An amount such as this will allow us to purchase a full set of safety clothing for a crew member. Well done to you all and perhaps in the not too distant future some of the pupils will become our next generation of crew members.'

RNLI media contacts

Vic Booth RNLI Lifeboat Press Officer (Sheerness)  07926904453 / 01795 880544   [email protected] / [email protected]

 
Tim Ash, RNLI Public Relations Manager (London/East/South East) on 0207 6207426, 07785 296252  [email protected] 

James Oxley, RNLI Press Officer (London/East/South East) 0207 6207425 / 07786 668825 [email protected]

For enquiries outside normal business hours, contact the RNLI duty press officer on 01202 336789

Key facts about the RNLI

The RNLI charity saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland coasts. The RNLI operates 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and more than 240 lifeguard units on beaches around the UK and Channel Islands. The RNLI is independent of Coastguard and government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824, its lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved over 146,000 lives.

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Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries

Members of the public may contact the RNLI on 0300 300 9990 (UK) or 1800 991802 (Ireland) or by email.