Penarth RNLI thank local community for fundraising success

Since launching the appeal in July 2016 the RNLI volunteers have been touched by the overwhelming support shown to them by their local community. Penarth volunteers were given the challenge of raising £52,000 last summer to fund their new D-class lifeboat. The fundraising appeal was launched by Olympic sailing gold medallist Hannah Mills and quickly went from strength to strength thanks to the community’s support.

Jason Dunlop, Penarth RNLI Lifeboat operations Manager said:

‘As a crew, we have been overwhelmed by the level of support that’s been shown to Penarth RNLI throughout the appeal by our local community. We’re also aware of many more events that have already been arranged and are yet to take place over the following months. As a charity every penny counts and that helps us at Penarth RNLI to save lives at sea.’

A variety of fundraising events were held to raise the £52,000; Sam Warburton was a special guest at a fundraising dinner which raised £11,000 and the local community quickly pulled together a number of events to help the volunteers reach their target.

RNLI Community Fundraising Manager, Jen Abell thanked the people of Penarth for their support:

‘The support Penarth RNLI has received from their local community has been phenomenal. What’s really struck me is that all-ages of the community joined together to support the appeal. It’s inspiring the number of schools that organised a fundraising event to help their local crew – let’s hope that support will develop over time as the pupils look into becoming future crew and volunteers!’

‘Even though the lifeboat appeal has now closed, Penarth RNLI – like all lifeboat stations across the coast – needs the continuous support of their local community to save lives at sea.’

For more information on supporting the RNLI in Penarth please contact the station or visit the RNLI website.

Notes to editor

Attached is a photo of Olympic Gold sailing medallist and RNLI supporter Hannah Mills, who visited the lifeboat station to congratulate the crew on their fundraising success. Credit: Ben Evans.

RNLI media contact

For more information contact Andy Berry, Penarth Lifeboat Press Officer, on 07951 051128. Alternatively contact Eleri Roberts, RNLI Public Relations Manager on 01745 585162 / 07771 941390 or email [email protected].

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.