'Santa' delivers cash boost to Hartlepool RNLI
Hartlepool’s very own ‘Santa’ Jim Croll raised a very impressive £1,000 for the Hartlepool RNLI during the Christmas period thanks to donations he collected when visiting homes and groups around the town dressed as Father Christmas.
74 year old Jim who has been a Santa fundraiser for numerous charities over 25 years said ‘It was a hectic few weeks but seeing the smiles on the children’s and adults faces when I appeared was unbelievable and raising a few bob for the amazing volunteers at the lifeboat station made the whole effort worthwhile and I have to say a special thank you to my son David who helped me and to the individuals who topped up my total amount to make it a £1,000’.
Hartlepool RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager Chris Hornsey said ‘We would like to thank Jim for his fantastic Santa fundraiser over the busy Christmas period and everyone who made donations. Jim’s donation will go towards saving lives at sea by helping with running costs at the station and training for the volunteers who thanks to donations such as this are provided with some of the best safety kit available.
We need more money to save more lives – investing in the future of lifesaving is vital’.
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.
Learn more about the RNLI
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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.