
Walmer RNLI’s 8th Annual Car Wash in support of the Mayday Fundraising Appeal
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.
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]
- Paul Dunt, RNLI Press Officer (London/East/South East) on 07785 296252, [email protected]
- For enquiries outside normal business hours, contact the RNLI duty press officer on 01202 336789 or [email protected]
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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Members of the public may contact the RNLI on 0300 300 9990 (UK) or 1800 991802 (Ireland) or by email.