RNLI appeals for support this Christmas as charity feels the impact of Covid 19
The lifesaving charity had to spend £1.2M this year to ensure its volunteer lifeboat crews and beach lifeguards had the vital PPE, such as face masks and gloves, to keep their lifesavers safe. This was money the charity had not planned to spend, at a time when RNLI shops were forced to close and fun
Captain Marcus Elliott Llandudno Lifeboat Operations Manager said: 'As we draw to the end of an exceedingly difficult year for all of us, I wish to thank all our fundraisers and supporters for their loyalty. Despite all the problems caused by COVID-19, Llandudno RNLI has continued to provide around the clock rescue service and our volunteer crew continue to answer the call to save lives at sea. Regular training exercises were suspended in the early stages of the pandemic, but our crew were able to maintain their skills and now that training exercises have resumed, carefully applied social distanced and COVID-19 safe procedures are enabling a return to our training routines. Emergency call outs were unaffected.'
He added: 'Fundraising in Llandudno, however, has suffered a significant detrimental impact. Our volunteer-run RNLI shop in the town centre has been closed for much of the year, while all our normal activities and visits to the boathouse suspended. In common with other charities, we depend entirely on voluntary contributions to continue our life saving work. We are hopeful that fundraising activities will restart next year and that the lifeboat station on the promenade will once again be open for the public to come and learn about the history and work of Llandudno lifeboat. Next year, we also hope to restart our programme of events and we hope you will be able to come along and support us.'
As a charity, the RNLI relies on the support of the public to continue saving lives – and that support is needed now more than ever. Help us brave a wave we never expected. To make a donation to the RNLI’s Christmas Appeal visit: RNLI.org/Xmas
RNLI media contacts
For more information please contact Jonathan Coe, Llandudno Lifeboat Press Officer on 07910 861193. Alternatively contact Eleri Roberts, RNLI Media Officer on 01745 585162 / 07771 941390 or email [email protected]
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 142,700 lives.
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For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. News releases, videos and photos are available on the News Centre.
Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries
Members of the public may contact the RNLI on 0300 300 9990 (UK) or 1800 991802 (Ireland) or by email.