Good clean fun at RNLI Kessock Lifeboat Station
The volunteer lifeboat crew at RNLI Kessock scrubbed and jet sprayed 316 cars, vans and Emergency Service Vehicles on Saturday 29 February at the Lifeboat Station raising £2480 of funds which will directly contribute to their lifesaving work in the Moray and Beauly Firths.
The crew were well supported throughout the day by the Fundraising Committee who brought the total number of volunteers to 34 including partners, family and friends of the station.
Doug Munro, trainee Helmsman, confirmed the funds raised smashed the target and exceeded last year by over £400. He said, “I am proud to organise this event and once again grateful to our sponsors Highland Industrial Supplies, MacGregor Supplies and Morris Leslie Plant Hire. I’d like to thank the public for their generous support on the day and the great work of the fundraising team who kept us well-fed and did a sterling job of marshalling the orderly queues so that we offered an efficient and smooth service.”
He continued, “This event is really important in our fundraising calendar and donations are particularly critical for us right now as we prepare to train and equip new volunteer crew following our current recruitment campaign. It costs in excess of £1000 for the Personal Protective Equipment worn by each crew member so the money donated by the public really makes a vital difference to us.”
The event was attended by a colourful range of cars and vehicles with a welcome appearance from the RNLI’s Search and Rescue partners, the Scottish Fire & Rescue Service and HM Coastguard Highland. Local professional car wash service, Mr Bubbles, also showed their support by bringing their own mobile valet service to be cleaned.
Despite the long day of physical labour, it wasn’t all hard graft and the crew enjoyed the music on the radio, entertaining the customers with some dancing while they worked. Vicky Mair, who drove from Elgin to show her support said, “It was fantastic to see the teamwork and everybody laughing and enjoying themselves while they gave our cars a great clean. I’m happy to support the RNLI as I have several family members at sea in various roles. We all respect the 24/7 search and rescue service provided by the RNLI and although I hope we never need them, it’s reassuring to know they’re there and ready to respond if anyone was in trouble.
She continued, “I’m more than happy to drive to support today especially because the service is entirely dependent on donations, plus my car has never looked so clean!”
The public are invited to visit rnli.org.uk for current opportunities to join the crew in various roles, and to follow RNLI Kessock on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter to keep up to date with future fundraising activities.
Notes to editors
· There are a number of video clips available should these be useful for online content. Access via the Kessocl Lifeboat Station or contact Yvette Kershaw, Kessock Lifeboat Station LPO.
· Photos show the event in progress with views of the station and a crew photo on the day. More available.
RNLI media contacts
Yvette Kershaw, Lifeboat Press Officer, 07809 116153, [email protected]
Martin Macnamara, RNLI Regional Media Officer for Scotland, 01738 642986, 07920 365929, [email protected]
Gemma McDonald, RNLI Regional Media Manager for Scotland, 01738 642956, 07826 900639, [email protected]
RNLI Press Office, 01202 336789
RNLI online
For more information on the RNLI please visit rnli.org. News releases and other media resources, including RSS feeds, downloadable photos and video, are available at the RNLI News Centre rnli.org/news-and-media.
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 over 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 142,200 lives.
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
For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, X, TikTok 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.