Communities come together to support local RNLI crews this Mayday

Anglesey choir, Côr Meibion y Foel, turned up to rehearsals this week wearing their wellies to show their support of the volunteer crews across the island. As a choir they are very aware of the charity’s work; fellow choir member John Williams volunteer’s with Beaumaris RNLI as he's one of the team responsible for launching the lifeboat when the pager sounds.

The RNLI are in the middle of their national fundraising campaign - Mayday - as the charity aims to raise £750,000 to help fund vital kit for lifeboat crews across the country throughout the month of May. There’s still time for communities to support the fundraising campaign with various events still to be held across North Wales.

This Sunday (21 May) families are invited to take part in the Big Mayday Dip at Surf Snowdonia by running into the surf lagoon dressed as their favourite legend. The event starts from 9:30am and signups are available on the day. For more information or to sign up in advance go to: www.bigmaydaydip.eventbrite.co.uk.

Rhyl RNLI fundraising team are holding a Duckboat Race at Dyserth Waterfalls on Bank Holiday Monday (29 May). The family fun day, which includes stalls and activities, starts from 12pm and everyone is invited to join in the fun.

Deborah Mahon, RNLI Community Fundraising Manager, said: ‘RNLI volunteer crew members are willing to drop everything to go and save lives at sea when their pagers beep. The lifeboat kit that the RNLI give to the crews is absolutely vital when they’re out in all weathers saving lives at sea.

‘Last year, RNLI crews launched 8,851 times and saved 431 lives. The Mayday campaign is our own call for help and we’re asking people to do their bit to fund our kit throughout May.’

There’s still time to organise your own event. Why not take a look at the RNLI’s website RNLI.org.uk/Mayday to see how you can get involved in the fun.

Notes to editor

• Attached is a video of Côr Meibion y Foel (Male Voice Choir) signing Home from the Sea during their weekly rehearsals in support of the RNLI.

• Photos: Cor Meibion y Foel (Male Voice Choir) support their fellow choir member, Beaumaris RNLI volunteer John Williams, by turning up to practice in their wellies.

RNLI media contact

For more information contact Eleri Roberts, RNLI PR Manaer on 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.