Local family match donations to Weymouth RNLI from their pocket money.

The couple held a Christmas raffle from their Weymouth shop, House of Gumption, and generated £200 in donations, which they split evenly between Weymouth RNLI and The Lantern Trust. However, they matched the donations from their own pockets, meaning both charities received £200 each.

Leon and Leanne have always instilled the importance of kindness in their two children and their son Grayson, almost 5, was keen to use some of his pocket money to donate to the charities. Grayson believes it’s important to be nice to others, and understands the importance of having a Lifeboat Station in the community, saying: ‘If I was in trouble in the water, the lifeboat will come and help me’

Leanne said: ‘We live by the sea, it’s a requirement and they work so hard. It’s a very needed local charity. The whole point was not to promote the shop, it’s all about creating a community. A community is so valuable and we all need to support each other’

On receiving the donation, Teresa said: ‘We are so grateful. We can’t do what we do without kind donations from people like this’

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.

Learn more about the RNLI

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.