RNLI lifesavers from Sligo Bay prepare to answer the call this Christmas
As the RNLI comes to the end of its milestone 200th year, the charity is launching its annual Christmas fundraising appeal, with a focus on the volunteer crew members who are preparing to spend Christmas on call.
On average, RNLI lifeboats launch over 100 times during the Christmas period* every year. Whatever weather winter throws at them, RNLI crews are ready to battle the elements to save lives at sea. These rescues, and others all year round, are only made possible by the RNLI’s generous supporters, helping to fund the essential kit, training and equipment needed to keep crews prepared and protected.
Christmas is a time for family and friends, but the RNLI’s volunteer crews are ready to leave their own celebrations this festive season and answer the call for help. Just one of the thousands of crew members preparing for a Christmas on call are members of the extended McElhone family at Sligo Bay.
Earlier this year Sligo Bay RNLI volunteer crew along with the Coast Guard came to the assistance of Michael McElhone who became unwell while out for a walk on Coney Island with his wife Anne and a friend’s dog ‘Paddy.’ One of the first to respond was Michael’s sister Liz Leydon, who had no idea what the subject of the call-out was. Liz is one of four members of the wider McElhone family who volunteer at Sligo Bay RNLI.
Michael was taken from the island by Coast Guard Rescue 118 and has made a full recovery. Meanwhile Sligo Bay RNLI crew took his wife Anne and ‘Paddy’ safely back to shore.
Michael expressed his thanks to all of the agencies who combined to take him off the island and get him the care he needed.
Helm David Bradley said: ‘There’s no feeling quite like bringing someone home safe to their families. Even at this time of year, people still get in trouble in the water, and we’re all prepared to leave our own celebrations to help them.
‘But as volunteer lifeboat crew we couldn’t launch without kind donations from the public which fund the kit, training and equipment we need to save others and get home safely to our own families.’
To make a donation to the RNLI’s Christmas Appeal, and enable the charity to continue its lifesaving work, visit: RNLI.org/WinterAppeal
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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
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