Gypsy Rover fundraising is a big bonus for Redcar RNLI
The 2021 Boxing Day dip was a real show stopper as Gypsy Rover regulars plunged into the sea at Redcar, raising over £1700 for the Royal National Lifeboat Institution.
It was a heart-warming effort on a very chilly day. This, along with bonus balls, Thunderball and race nights throughout the year, have become part of a charity fundraising mix for Lee Johnston and the regulars at the Gypsy Rover pub in Redcar.
Lee said: 'I’ve been raising money for the RNLI for over five years now, donating over £11000 to the charity. Last year was a really tough year for everyone but the RNLI charity box just kept on filling up. This along with our other regular fundraising activities, and then the Boxing Day dip meant that we raised nearly £4000 during the year. Our aim is to top this during 2022.'
Dave Cocks, Chairman of Redcar RNLI said: 'Donations like those made by the regulars at the Gypsy Rover pub help our volunteer crew in all sorts of ways. Their support helps to fund the crews training and is vital in helping Redcar RNLI to continue to save lives at sea.
'The Boxing Day dip has always proven to be a great fundraising event for Redcar RNLI. To receive a cheque for £1700 from Lee and the Gypsy Rover dippers just shows what a fantastic effort they have made to help Redcar RNLI.'
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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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