Redcar RNLI volunteers spearhead RNLI Christmas Appeal
Each year the RNLI run their Christmas Appeal to raise funds to help their volunteer crews save lives at sea.
This year’s appeal has a very strong link to Redcar RNLI, featuring Mike Picknett, Lifeboat Operations Manager, and his son Luke, also a volunteer crew member at Redcar.
In a letter sent out to approximately seven million homes all around the UK and Ireland, Mike tells the story of his family’s link with the Redcar Lifeboat. This goes back to 1876 when his great-great-grandad Thomas Picknett was volunteer coxswain at Redcar. Mike describes how different lifesaving was nearly 150 years ago, compared to the modern lifesaving equipment Redcar’s present-day crew have available to them.
Mike says: ’While the lifeboats and gear have evolved, the sea is no less dangerous. In an emergency, I authorise our lifeboats to launch, sending Redcar’s volunteer crew out into those waves to find someone who may be in trouble.
‘Personally, I can take great pride in the fact that my family’s story has been picked out to lead this year’s Christmas appeal. It highlights our close relationship with the RNLI and a determination to continue saving lives at sea into the next generation through my son Luke.’
Redcar RNLI have launched their lifeboats 59 times so far in 2023. Each shout could potentially save someone from drowning at sea. Mike goes on to say: ‘We may even get a shout on Christmas Day, it has happened before.’
You can donate to this year's Christmas appeal by going to RNLI.org/WinterAppeal or by phone by calling 0300 300 0105
Notes to Editors
Redcar lifeboat station has been operating since 1802.
Redcar currently operates a B-class lifeboat named Leicester Challenge III, paid for by the people of Leicester, and an IB1-class lifeboat named Eileen May Loach-Thomas, paid from the legacy of the late Mr Nick Thomas of Shropshire.
RNLI Media contacts
For more information, please contact Andy Watson, Lifeboat Press Officer, Redcar RNLI on 07954 435834 or 01642 484491 or email [email protected]
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 142,700 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.