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Focus on our fantastic fundraisers – €10,000 raised by rescued pilots
As a charity, we all know that everything we do is only made possible by our fantastic fundraisers, with every penny and cent helping the RNLI to continue its lifesaving work.
Each of our fundraisers has their own story of how they came to support the RNLI, from family connections to being inspired by a talk from a water safety volunteer. And for some, it’s having been rescued themselves that has led to a very personal reason to support our charity.
Pilots Jim O’Connor and JP Smith are two such supporters. Earlier this year they were rescued after their light aircraft was forced to ditch into the sea approximately 10 miles off the Pembrokeshire coast following mechanical difficulties during a flight from Ireland to Wales.
RNLI crews from New Quay, Cardigan and Fishguard, alongside HM Coastguard, launched a coordinated rescue operation which found both men cold and shocked but otherwise unharmed, and brought them safely to shore.
Two months after their rescue, the pair returned to New Quay Lifeboat Station in August to thank their rescuers, presenting a commemorative clock and a €10,000 donation raised by the Irish aviation community to support our lifesaving work. Volunteers from New Quay, Cardigan and Fishguard RNLI came together for a celebratory barbecue, providing an opportunity for the crews involved in the rescue to reunite with the men whose lives they helped save.
The event was also attended by the Lord-Lieutenant of Dyfed, Miss Sara Edwards, who thanked RNLI volunteers for their dedication and commitment to saving lives at sea.
Jim O’Connor, one of the rescued pilots said: ‘It's difficult to put into words how grateful we are to everyone who helped us that evening. From the moment the rescue operation began we knew we were in the hands of highly skilled professionals.
‘We want to thank the crews from New Quay, Cardigan and Fishguard RNLI, as well as HM Coastguard, for their incredible response and for bringing us safely home to our families.
‘The support we received after the rescue was overwhelming and we wanted to give something back. The fundraising campaign has raised nearly €10,000 so far and we hope it helps support the lifesaving work carried out by RNLI volunteers every day.’
JP Smith, the second pilot added: ‘Meeting the crews again has been very special. These volunteers dropped everything to come to our aid, and we will never forget their kindness, professionalism and care. Ordinary people providing an extraordinary service. We owe them a huge debt of gratitude.
‘The RNLI is a great organisation and we are proud to be able to support it through this fundraising effort.’
Ed Hides, Lifeboat Operations Manager at New Quay RNLI, said: 'It was wonderful to welcome JP and Jim, along with their families, back to New Quay. To see them safe and well, just weeks after such a significant rescue operation, means a great deal to everyone involved.
‘The presentation of the commemorative clock and the incredible €10,000 donation was completely unexpected and incredibly generous. We are hugely grateful to everyone who contributed, particularly the Irish aviation community, whose support will help our volunteer crews continue saving lives at sea.’
Our grateful thanks go to Jim, JP and the aviation community in Ireland for their fundraising efforts. If you’ve been inspired to do some of your own fundraising, there is further information and inspiration available on our fundraising pages. And if you spot a fundraiser going above and beyond that you’d like to see in the spotlight, please do let us know at [email protected].