Chairman of Weston RNLI fundraising branch receives a major national award
Weston-super-Mare RNLI Volunteer awarded the Cabinet Office Point of Light for his work raising funds for life saving in Weston Bay.
The Prime Minister’s Point of Light recognises outstanding individual volunteers - people who are making positive changes in their communities and around the world. The award is a way in which the Prime Minister says 'thank you' for outstanding service. It is also hoped that by shining a light on the recipient’s work, it can inspire others to volunteer.
The Cabinet office quote reads ‘ I am delighted to let you know that the Prime Minister would like to honour you with a Point of Light Award following your inspirational work leading the fundraising of over £750,000 to deliver an essential new headquarters for one of the UK’s busiest lifeboat stations.’
Peter Elmont has been the chairman of the RNLI Fundraising Branch in Weston for over ten years. He has revolutionised the activities of the fundraisers. He has been responsible for restarting a Lifeboat Week to involve the whole town, arranging collections in all the busiest venues is this major tourist town. Working with his wife, Bridget, he has ensured the local lifeboat shop is extremely successful and in particular has been responsible for raising over three quarters of a million pounds toward the cost of the new lifeboat station. This is needed for the crew to carry on saving lives at in the Bristol Channel. He has encouraged and guided many and worked tirelessly himself towards this goal. He is widely respected in Weston and works closely with the lifeboat crew based on Knightstone Piazza. They have been waiting for a full station for over five years, being in temporary accommodation at present.
Peter Elmont said ’It is very nice to be recognised by this award. However I have been blessed with a superb group of fundraisers and crew. Without them we could not have raised as much as we have. ’
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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