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Walmer RNLI’s 8th Annual Car Wash in support of the Mayday Fundraising Appeal

Lifeboats News Release

From small beginnings in 2016 when sixteen volunteers took part, a recent Saturday morning saw more than 40 volunteers from across the Walmer station take part in the event.

RNLI/Chris Mansfield

After an enjoyable but long day, 158 vehicles were washed, raising just short of £2,300, with the station shop also taking £195. First car through was local licensee Marna Hubbard. Poignantly, the final one was a Land Rover Defender, a memory of our much-missed former crew member Tony Nash who drove a similar vehicle and loved the Car Wash. Volunteers involved included boat and shore crew, shop and fundraising volunteers, Deal Coastguard and younger future crew members.

While thanking everyone for their support, sponsor and Walmer Helm Dan Sinclair said after the event, ‘The day was exactly as anticipated, an absolute beast, with teamwork at the heart. It was phenomenal to part of the experience and to see how much this event has grown over the past few years. Next year we’ll have to wash 200 for the 200th.’


Notes to editors

Walmer lifeboat station was established in 1856.

It currently operates two inshore lifeboats – a B Class Atlantic 85 Donald McLauchlan and a smaller D Class Duggie Rodbard II.

Crews have received 28 Awards for GallantryTo find out more about Walmer lifeboat station go to https://rnli.org/find-my-nearest/lifeboat-stations/walmer-lifeboat-station

Photo 1 Volunteers at the end of the day

Photo 2 Last car through

Photo 3 Cars queueing for a wash

Photo 4 Soaping and rinsing

RNLI media contacts

  • Chris Winslade, Lifeboat Press Officer, Walmer Lifeboat Station on 01304 374475 or 07906 623037 [email protected]
  • For enquiries outside normal business hours, contact the RNLI duty press officer on 01202 336789 or [email protected]

RNLI/Christ Mansfield

RNLI/Christ Mansfield

RNLI/Chris Mansfield

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.

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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.

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