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Staithes and Runswick RNLI auction raises over £6,000

Lifeboats News Release

On 29 December 2024, the Staithes and Runswick RNLI auction returned, marking the end of the 200th year of the RNLI. The event raised over £6,000, thanks to the outstanding support and generosity of the community.

RNLI/James Stoker

Caroline Hawley again generously donated her time for the Staithes and Runswick RNLI auction, which was hosted at the Cod and Lobster in Staithes

Hosted kindly by the Cod and Lobster in Staithes with auctioneer Caroline Hawley (of BBC Bargain Hunt fame) freely giving her time to help raise funds for the charity, the pub was full of visitors and locals alike and alive with laughter and good-natured banter as the charity auction got underway.

Caroline said: ‘The number of donations has been fantastic this year, and we would like to thank each one of the donors for the great variety of lots which went under the hammer. We have been able to raise this amount not only because of the generosity of donors but also because of the enthusiasm of the bidders in the room.’

An impressive and diverse array of lots, appealing to a wide range of interests, went under the hammer, with Caroline auctioning over 70 items in just over two and a half hours. Highlights included a guided trip to Boulby Mine, the evocative Dawn of a New Era signed RAF print commemorating 617 Squadron, and a scenic trip on the Tees with Red Lion Marine. Unique items such as Peter Schmeichel's gloves (with the distinctive double finger from his time playing with a broken finger) and various sporting memorabilia also drew significant attention.

Other notable lots included stays in Staithes cottages, and a rich selection of art and collectables.

The event would not have been possible without the generosity of those who donated these remarkable items and the bidders whose contributions will help support the charity to continue to save lives at sea.

Caroline added ‘I have supported Staithes and Runswick RNLI lifeboat for several years and it’s encouraging to see the turnout and number of people willing to donate towards this worthy cause.’

As the success of this year’s auction is celebrated, efforts are already turning towards building on this momentum for future events. Anyone with items or experiences to donate to upcoming auctions is encouraged to get in touch. Contributions, whether large or small, play a vital role in raising funds for the essential work of the RNLI.

For those interested in donating or getting involved, please contact [email protected].

Notes to Editors
Staithes and Runswick RNLI lifeboat has been in operation since 1978 with Atlantic B-Class inshore lifeboats (ILB’s). The present ILB at the station B-897 Sheila and Dennis Tongue III has been on station since 2016.

The RNLI is the charity which saves lives at sea. In 2024, the RNLI is celebrating 200 years - and counting, commemorating this remarkable past, celebrating our lifesaving achievements today, and inspiring a future where we can save every one. More information on RNLI 200 can be found at https://rnli.org/about-us/our-history/2024

RNLI media contacts
For further information, please contact James Stoker, RNLI volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer at: [email protected] or Clare Hopps, RNLI Regional Communications Manager (North and East) on 07824 518641 or, [email protected] or contact the RNLI Press Office on 01202 336789.

RNLI/James Stoker

Just one of the lots which went under the hammer was a guided visit to Boulby Mine, the second deepest mine of any kind in Europe

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.