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Winter Wonderland In Support Of The RNLI On Lough Erne

Lifeboats News Release

We were delighted when the McCusker family from Lisbellaw decided to support the work of the RNLI on Lough Erne this winter with their fantastic Santa’s Grotto which has some 28,000 lights.

Winter Wonderland In Support Of The RNLI On Lough Erne

Andrew Paton/Fermanagh Herald

Winter Wonderland In Support Of The RNLI On Lough Erne

David and Joanne have fundraised for various charities over the years with their fantastic variety of Christmas lights, both with local people donating in person when viewing the lights but also online donations.

It all started 15-20 years ago with some lights around their garden but as more and more people came to view the display the desire to help local charities at the same time was born.

Explaining his connection to the RNLI David said: “One evening me and a friend went out to shoot on a wee island and we decided to take the boat across and I had my dog with me. We got out of the boat and when I turned around the dog had jumped out but pushed the boat out into the lake, so we rang the RNLI and a lifeboat came and got us off the island one by one.”

Stephen Scott, Lifeboat Operations Manager, at Carrybridge RNLI commented “On Monday 2 December around 20 lifeboat crew from Carrybridge and Enniskillen Lifeboat Stations and members of our fundraising committee, Lough Erne Fundraising Branch, were delighted to attend the Christmas light switch on event. The McCusker family treated us to mince pies and we were honoured to be the chosen charity this year. Fundraising events like this enable us to have the safest equipment and facilities that we need to continue our vital lifesaving service on Lough Erne.

To donate online please visit: https://justgiving.com/page/carrybridgeandenniskillenrnli

Ends

Photo Credit Details – Andrew Paton/Fermanagh Herald

RNLI media contacts

For more information, please contact Chris Cathcart, Carrybridge RNLI Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer on 07595895908, email [email protected] or Stephen Scott, Carrybridge RNLI Volunteer Deputy Lifeboat Press Officer on 07786228968, email [email protected] or Nuala McAloon, RNLI Regional Communications Manager on 00353 87 648 3547 or email [email protected] or Niamh Stephenson, RNLI Regional Communications Lead on 00353 87 1254 124 or [email protected] or Tom McGuire, Regional Communications Manager on 00353 874764436 or email [email protected]

RNLI online

For more information, please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. News releases, videos and photos are available on the RNLI News Centre.

Key facts about the RNLI

The RNLI is the charity that saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around Ireland and the UK. The RNLI operates 10 lifeboat stations in Northern Ireland and has lifeguard beaches along the Causeway Coast and in county Down which it operates seasonally. The RNLI is independent of Coastguard and government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service.

RNLI at 200

In 2024, the RNLI celebrates 200 years of saving lives at sea – thanks to volunteers giving their time to save others, all funded by voluntary public donations. Throughout its 200th anniversary year, the charity is running events and activities to commemorate its history, celebrate the lifesaving service it provides today, and inspire generations of future lifesavers and supporters. For more information visit RNLI.org/200.

Winter Wonderland In Support Of The RNLI On Lough Erne

Andrew Paton/Fermanagh Herald

Winter Wonderland In Support Of The RNLI On Lough Erne
Winter Wonderland In Support Of The RNLI On Lough Erne

Andrew Paton/Fermanagh Herald

Winter Wonderland In Support Of The RNLI On Lough Erne
Winter Wonderland In Support Of The RNLI On Lough Erne

Andrew Paton/Fermanagh Herald

Winter Wonderland In Support Of The RNLI On Lough Erne

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.