Timmy Mallet Helps Get A Record Number Turn Out To Rhyl RNLI Festive Dip

Before the dip crowds were asked to pay their respects with a round of applause, for much loved Rhyl Lifeboat crew volunteer Ben Hirst who sadly passed away last Saturday.

Rhyl Town Mayor, Cllr Win Mullen-James and TV Personality Timmy Mallett were on hand to judge the best fancy dress dipper, which was won by young Ella Griffiths who was dressed as, none other than Timmy Mallett.

After a countdown led by the Mayor and Timmy Mallet, over 230 dippers then braved the chilly waters of the Irish sea, some staying in for over 30 minutes!

Andrew Wilde, Rhyl Lifeboat crew member and one of the organisers said: ‘This year’s Festive Dip has been a poignant one for the crew after the sudden passing of Ben, we would like to thank everyone for their tribute to him today.

With the record numbers taking part this year we have already seen more than £2000 raised towards the towns new lifeboat at the event, with more donations still to come in. This really is a fantastic effort by the community’.

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

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