Family and friends mark 20 years of fundraising in memory of Sunderland teenager

Mark died on 10 April 2006 after being swept into the sea by rough breaking waves at Hendon Promenade. Sunderland RNLI volunteers were involved in the major rescue operation that followed, and in the 20 years since, Mark's family and friends have continued to support the charity's lifesaving work in his memory.

Every year, the family and their supporters return to Sunderland Lifeboat Station with the proceeds of their fundraising, typically raising around £1,000 annually for the RNLI.

This year's visit was particularly poignant as it marked two decades since Mark's death. Family and friends once again met volunteers at Sunderland RNLI and presented the station with £1,120.

Mark's family have given special thanks to Sadie Jones and the residents of Wadham Court in Ryhope, Derwenthurst Club and Pennywell Dog Show for their kindness and support in helping to raise this year's donation.

Paul Nicholson, volunteer Helm at Sunderland RNLI, says: ‘It is always very special to welcome Mark's family and friends back to the lifeboat station, but naturally this year's visit, marking 20 years since Mark's death, was particularly poignant for everyone.

‘Their support for Sunderland RNLI has never stopped. Year after year, they have continued fundraising in Mark's memory and supporting our volunteers and the RNLI's lifesaving work.

‘We are incredibly grateful to Mark's family, his friends and everyone who has supported their fundraising over the years. Twenty years on, Mark is still very much remembered here at Sunderland, and we are honoured that his family and friends continue to support the station in his memory.’

The annual fundraising has created an enduring connection between Mark's family and Sunderland RNLI, with thousands of pounds donated to the charity over the past two decades.

To recognise their remarkable commitment, Alan Dixon, Chairman and former crew member and Launch Authority at Sunderland Lifeboat Station, presented Mark’s family with a special thank you gift on behalf of the station, marking 20 years of continued fundraising and support for Sunderland RNLI.

The presentation was a small way for the station’s volunteers to show their appreciation for the dedication Mark’s family and friends have shown over the past 20 years, and for the lasting legacy they have created in Mark’s memory.

As a charity, the RNLI relies on voluntary donations to help its crews remain trained, equipped and ready to respond when people are in trouble at sea.

RNLI Media Contacts

For further information, please contact:

Claire Bird, Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer for RNLI Sunderland, [email protected]

Clare Hopps, RNLI Regional Communications Manager for North East and East England, 07824 518641, [email protected]

Richard Grange, RNLI Regional Communications Lead for North East and East England, 07483 112015, [email protected]

RNLI Press Office, 01202 336789, [email protected]

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 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 146,700 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.