Portaferry RNLI presented with cheque after Dash for Dougie event

Kim has organised the annual event in memory of her son, Steven 'Dougie' Dugan, who was 33 years old when he passed away in 2022 after a short illness, and this year's chosen charity was the RNLI.

Kim was joined on the day of the Dash into the water, and at Portaferry boathouse by her family, and some of the Bathing Belles of Whiterock who Kim swims with almost daily.

Portaferry RNLI fundraising chairperson, Pat Browne commented: 'This is a fantastic amount of money for us to have received in memory of Kim's son, and it was a really great day in the sunshine at the well supported event back in June.

'We would like to thank Kim, the Bathing Belles, and everyone who donated. Also the members of Strangford Lough Yacht Club for hosting this year's Dash for Dougie and for their hospitality while we were there.

'Kim is an incredible lady, her enthusiasm is infectious, and the money she has raised will be spent on both kit and training which will allow our volunteer lifeboat crew to continue to save lives at sea.'

RNLI Media Contacts

For further information, please contact:

Lissa McCully, Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer for RNLI Ireland, [email protected]

Nuala McAloon, RNLI Regional Communications Manager for Ireland, 087 648 3547, [email protected]

Niamh Stephenson, RNLI Regional Communications Lead for Ireland, 087 125 4124, [email protected]

RNLI Press Office, 01202 336789, [email protected]

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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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