This year the RNLI is celebrating 200 years since its foundation in 1874. In that time a phenomenal 150,000 UK rescues have taken place. All crews work voluntarily to train and man the lifeboats as they carry out outstanding acts of bravery and self-sacrifice, often risking their own lives in their mission to save others.
The crews operating out of Burry Port have attended to almost 3,000 casualties – 2002 people and 94 animals since their first call-out in 1973. In recognition of this outstanding work, Burry Port and Pembrey communities have risen to the challenge to raise funds for this remarkable charity. For example, members of St Mary’s Church kindly donated goods to sell at their monthly car boot sale (don’t miss the next one on 13th July!). This stall raised £100, the cheque being presented to delighted volunteers at the lifeboat station by the vicar, the Reverend Lorna Bradley.
On a more personal level, I was able, with other friends of the RNLI, to take part in the annual Mayday Mile Challenge which involved cycling or walking a mile a day throughout the month of May. We trained hard but weren’t quite expecting to have to battle through gale force winds, torrential rain, hail, thunder, lightning and fog! However, this was a walk in the park compared with crewing a lifeboat, often in treacherous sea conditions, risking their lives to rescue casualties and save people from drowning.
This fundraiser was wonderfully supported by so many local people – businesses, families and friends – who were generous in sponsorship and enabled us to send a massive £730 to help finance this vital work; special thanks to members of St Mary’s Church, Jerusalem and Elkington Road Chapels who all went the extra ‘Mayday Mile’.
To find out more about this charity and their latest campaign – Float to Live – just visit the RNLI website.
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