Walmer RNLI lifeboat community raise £1,700 through H2Only fundraising challenge
Members of Walmer RNLI lifeboat community stayed on the water in more ways than usual recently, when they took part in the RNLI's challenging fundraising initiative, H2Only.
For 10 days Walmer lifeboat crew members, fundraisers and friends all went without coffee, tea, wine, beer or fizzy drinks and drank only water in the sponsored challenge. It was a huge undertaking but the participants were determined to brave it, and raised a fantastic £1,700 for the RNLI.
The challenge officially began on Tuesday 13th September at 5pm, just as Walmer's volunteer lifeboat crew returned to station after a service call and concluded on Friday 23 September at 5pm, a couple hours after the crew returned from another service call!
Denis Brophy, Lifeboat Operations Manager at Walmer RNLI, said: 'The challenge was never going to be easy but was made even more difficult on the third day after both Walmer lifeboats were requested to launch by Dover Coastguard at 2am! I think our crew and their partners really suffered from a lack of caffeine or energy drinks to get them through that particular working day!'
He added: 'We would like to thank everyone that participated and sponsored us. Special mention must go to a few people who aren’t even directly connected to the lifeboat station, namely Stacey Chandler, partner of one of our crew, Bustleholme Athletic Under 7’s Football Club, and everyone who kindly encouraged the participants.
• While the H2Only fundraiser is now over, the RNLI is asking the public to help support its latest fundraiser, the Fish Supper campaign. For more information on how you can help, visit https://fishsupper.rnli.org
RNLI media contacts
• Tim Ash, RNLI Public Relations Manager (London/East/South East) on 0207 6207426, 07785 296252 [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.