Be a lifesaver this summer – support RNLI Kessock Lifeboat’s Wellies on Wyvis

But this May, it’s they who need YOUR help. The charity is calling on the people of Inverness and the Black Isle to support the Kessock’s Mayday Wander up Wyvis, or hold your own Mayday Mile, to help raise vital funds to keep you and your family safe this summer. Organised by the volunteer crew from Kessock Lifeboat, led by Micky Jones, the Mayday fundraiser will see a team of available crew mates wandering up Ben Wyvis on Sunday 1^st May with a photo opportunity in yellow wellies at the summit.

Money raised through Mayday fundraising events like this one will make sure that RNLI lifesavers have everything they need to keep families safe this summer. Every second counts when the water turns against you, and RNLI volunteer lifeboat crews will drop whatever they’re doing when a call for help comes in.

Yvette Kershaw, Kessock Lifeboat Press Officer says: ‘Summer is our busiest time of the year, with so many people enjoying days out on or near the water with family and friends. We live in a beautiful part of the country and the rise of staycations has made the usually busy summer season even busier, with more people at risk of getting into difficulty and needing our help.”

‘Mayday is our own call for help, as we rely on the generosity of the public to support events like our Wander up Wyvis and raise the funds that allow us to be there when we’re needed most. Training, kit, lifeboat maintenance and boat fuel … these are just some of the things we need to save lives, and that your fundraising can help provide.’

The RNLI’s Mayday national fundraiser begins on Sunday 1 May and will run for the whole month, in events across the UK and Ireland. You can support your local Kessock crew by donating on their Facebook page via the Mayday fundraising page.

And anyone who wishes to get involved can take part in their own Mayday Mile. Participants can complete their virtual mile – or more than one! - wherever and however they like – walk, jog, hop or skip! Follow the Kessock Lifeboat crew on their social media pages.

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, 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.