RNLI Fundraiser Marj Braves the Elements Again

For seventeen years Marj and her friends spend the winter months armed with a needle and thread busily making patchwork quilts. When the spring arrives she sits outside Porthcawl lifeboat station shop selling raffle tickets that give purchasers the opportunity to win one of the beautiful quilts. Not always bathed in sunshine but Marj knows in her own way her efforts help to keep our lifeboats afloat.

Marj, who lives in Picton Ave Porthcawl said, ‘I am used to the weather conditions now after so many years but sadly, I was unable to spend quite as much time on the front this year and believe it or not the sun doesn’t always shine in Porthcawl. I get concerned each year that we would not have as many visitors braving the walk along the promenade to the lifeboat station. Fortunately though, once again this year, I have been delighted by the support from the public, especially those I have got to know over the years’.

Spokesman Ian Stroud said, ‘In 2014 Marj was recognised at the annual Fundraising and Supporter Awards and was presented with the RNLI’s Silver Badge for her years of dedication to the charity. Traditionally at the end of September the crew and helpers applaud Marj’s efforts and help her draw the lucky winners out of the bag. This, however, does not mean she can relax as Marj and her friends start preparing quilts throughout the winter ready for next year’.

Phil Missen MBE, Lifeboat Operations Manager at Porthcawl, said ‘If it wasn’t for people like Marj our Lifeboats would not be able to do the job they do. It’s not only the crew that are volunteers but there is a vast team of dedicated people that go to huge lengths to bring in funds for the RNLI. In her first year Marjorie raised just under £300 and each year this has grown significantly, her total now stands at a staggering almost £70,000. On behalf of the RNLI and Porthcawl in particular I must thank Marj, her friends and all her supporters who call to buy tickets from her year after year, we on the operational side of the RNLI are very appreciative of all fundraising’.

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.