New Years tug o’war challenge raises over £600 for New Brighton RNLI
New Brighton volunteer RNLI crew claim three wins in a row against Mersey divers in the annual New Years Day tug o’war competition.
New Years Day marked the third annual New Brighton RNLI tug o'war competition between the Lifeboat volunteers and the Mersey Divers. The weather couldn't have been better for the time of year and conditions were near perfect down at Fort Perch Rock beach!
As the teams assembled and started their pre match routines the spectators and supporters began to gather. There was a buzz in the air and spirits were high. Stormy Stan was in attendance to provide support to the lifeboat crew and proved a hit with adults and kids alike.
The competition was refereed by Wirral Deputy Mayor, George Davies who crowned New Brighton lifeboat the victors with a two round to nil win over the Mersey Divers, despite their best efforts.
RNLI volunteers and fundraisers collected donations from supporters who had come to cheer on both of the teams. A fantastic total of £603 was raised which is a record amount donated for the event. New Brighton Lifeboat Station would like to thank the community for their amazing support and generous donations.
Mike Jones, New Brighton RNLI Mechanic and tug of war team captain said: ‘This was a fantastic event, it was really good to see so many people supporting both teams and donating our highest total to date in support of the RNLI. We would also like to give a special mention to the Mersey Divers who do a lot of fundraising for the RNLI throughout the year and have also given up their time today to make this event possible.’
The RNLI has recently launched their ‘Perfect Storm’ campaign. Donations are down and deployments are increasing, especially around the Christmas and New Year period. The New Brighton volunteer crew have already been deployed four times over the Christmas and New Year period and without your help and donations we would not be able to continue our operations. Your donations could help save the next life at sea.
Notes to editor
Footage of the event is available to download. Credit: Mersey Images.
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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Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries
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