Fundraising evening in memory of RNLI Cullercoats crewman a great success
A recent fundraising evening for Cullercoats Lifeboat raised a magnificent £2,935 for the charity that saves lives at sea. The event was the idea of the partner of Cullercoats shore crew member Craig Gunn who tragically died last year.
Paula McArthur of New Hartley first thought of organising the event in October last year as a thank you to everyone at Cullercoats RNLI who helped in supporting both herself and Craig’s Mam, Joyce, through a very difficult period.
The event, held on 20th May at Cullercoats Crescent Club, was near to the exact day when Craig died suddenly of a brain haemorrhage. Aged only 56, Craig was an experienced shore crew member at Cullercoats Lifeboat station and was the main tractor driver when launching and recovering the lifeboat either on service or exercise as well as being responsible for the fuel and oil stocks at the station.
An evening of music, raffles, games and an auction helped raise the funds. The band, Twilight Zone, gave a fantastic performance and many local and regional businesses donated gifts and services that were auctioned as well as the prizes for the raffle.
The final amount raised has just been finalised and Paula said: ‘I am delighted with the amount we managed to raise, especially as I'd originally only set a target of £1000. My sincere thanks go to everyone that helped to make the event such a success. The support Joyce and I have received from everyone at the Station in this last year has been very much appreciated.’
Peter Clark, Senior Helmsman at Cullercoats RNLI said: ‘Craig had given his time and experience to the lifeboat station for over 5 years and was not only a key volunteer with his tractor driving skills, but a friendly and hard working person. He is sadly missed by everyone here, he was a big personality. Big thanks must go to Paula who has worked extremely hard in difficult circumstances to raise this magnificent amount.’
RNLI Media Contacts: For more information please telephone Michael Scott, volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer on 07906 632598 or Alison Levett, RNLI Public Relations Manger North 07786 668912 or [email protected] or contact RNLI Public Relations 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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