New Brighton RNLI presented with cheque from supporters in the Middle East
A £1,000 cheque was delivered to RNLI New Brighton Lifeboat Station from the Royal Naval Association based in Saudi Arabia on Sunday 13 May.
The donation from the Royal Naval Association in Riyadh is part of the organisation’s annual charity commitment which traditionally benefits RNLI at a national level. This year, the group decided to donate additional money they have raised from fundraising efforts, directly to local RNLI lifeboat stations.
Association member Michael Rollings, who has lived and worked in Riyadh for the past seven years and who presented the cheque said: ‘I spent 33 years in the Royal Navy before relocating to Riyadh and continuing my career there with the Royal Saudi Navy.
‘As I now live in Wallasey it seemed appropriate to me that RNLI New Brighton receives the donation this year and the Riyadh branch members endorsed my proposal.’
RNLI New Brighton lifeboat volunteers attending the presentation were Fundraising Manager Malcom Smith, Chairman Tony Jones, Lifeboat Operations Manager Ian Thornton, In-shore Lifeboat Mechanic Mike Jones and Deputy Launching Authority Damian Cull.
Malcolm Smith, who received the cheque on behalf of the RNLI lifeboat station said: ‘It’s nice to think that we are in the minds of people in far distant places and we’re very grateful for this donation. Although we are yet to decide where it will be allocated, it will be put to good use furthering our efforts in saving lives at sea.’
In appreciation, Smith gifted Rollings two framed photos of lifeboats in action, taken by Damian Cull, as well as a wooden RNLI plaque recognising the donation.
Before departing, Rollings and family members accompanying him were given a tour of the RNLI lifeboat station, gaining an up-close look at B-class in-shore lifeboat, Charles Dibdin.
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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