RNLI New Brighton lifeboat and RNLI lifeguards support pirates for charity
RNLI lifeboat crew and RNLI Wirral lifeguards took part in the annual Pirates for Ellie afternoon in Vale Park on 24 July 2018. The teams promoted water safety messages to hundreds of young pirates at the swashbuckling event. which raises funds for Claire House Children’s Hospice.
RNLI mascot Stormy Stan made his ever-popular appearance at the family friendly afternoon, while 300 buccaneers made beelines for giveaways that included sweets, badges, keyrings and the RNLI lifeguards’ jet ski.
Linda Cook, who organises the event alongside husband Colin, said: ‘Our lifeboats at New Brighton are an essential part of the community and it's so important for the children who attend to know their water safety.
‘The children are starting their six-week summer holiday next to the River Mersey with lots of them playing on the beach and The Black Pearl Pirate Ship. By attending our event, RNLI New Brighton not only joins in the fun with Stormy Stan, but also gives the children an important message on how to stay safe and who to call if they see someone in trouble.’
The Pirates for Ellie event is the third for the RNLI New Brighton lifeboat team and the second year RNLI Wirral lifeguards have taken part
‘It is brilliant to have RNLI Wirral lifeguards alongside us more recently,’ RNLI New Brighton Lifeboat Helm Jay Hennessey said. ‘Not only do we manage to get a few safety snippets to the kids in a fun way that will hopefully help them if they’re ever in difficulty, but being a community focused charity, we like to support other local charities where we can. As many of our lifeboat volunteers are parents, those that benefit children are particularly close to our hearts.’
Linda added: 'Pirates for Ellie day really brings the community together to support Claire House Children’s Hospice. We really appreciate local RNLI involvement in this fun way of remembering Ellie.’
Linda and Colin set up Pirates for Ellie in 2011 – which sees children dress as pirates while going about their daily activities – in memory of their seven-year-old daughter Ellie who was diagnosed with a brain tumour that year. Claire House Children's Hospice cared for Ellie before she passed away in 2011.
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