Exceptional RNLI fundraiser breaks the £600 barrier
On Sunday 18 August, the volunteers of Clacton RNLI were presented with a second cheque by Samuel Franklin, bringing his fundraising efforts to over £600.
Samuel is a remarkable young man, having spent the last three years attending Bright Lives CIC independent living programme, discovering how to come to terms with his autism, and not let it hold him back. Building his self confidence and self worth were key in achieving this.
One of the big challenges he set himself was to raise funds for the RNLI by completing a sponsored walk and swim. These challenges would help him to develop his self confidence and self worth, and in the process, raise over £600 for the RNLI.
£409.70p was raised by Samuel completing the sponsored walk, while his sponsored 400M swim at the Clacton Leisure Centre raised a further £245. To achieve this remarkable amount Samuel really had to leave his comfort zone, not only did he have to train for events he had never attempted before, he also set himself the task of personally persuading every person he met to support his efforts.
Samuel has now joined the fundraising team at Clacton RNLI, and if this achievement has anything to go by he will be making a big impact.
Steve Cole, Clacton RNLI’s volunteer fundraising manager, said: ‘It has been a great pleasure to work alongside Samuel, and welcome him to the fundraising team. Having seen his determination in his personal efforts, I truly believe he will be a great asset to the team. Well done Samuel, thank you for your ongoing support and enthusiasm.’
Notes to Editor
Further details about the work of Bright Lives CIC can be found at www.brightlives.org.uk, or by phoning 01206 615165
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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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