Achill Island lifeboat fundraiser Alexandra Van Tuyll is honoured by the RNLI
A long-standing volunteer fundraiser for Achill Island RNLI, has been honoured by the charity’s Chief Executive for her generous support of the Mayo lifeboat station and its work in saving lives at sea.
Alexandra Van Tuyll, who has been volunteering for the charity since 1999, was presented with a framed Certificate of Thanks by the RNLI’s Head of Region, Anna Classon, during a recent visit to the lifeboat station.
The award which was arranged by the Chairperson of the Fundraising Branch, Anthony McNamara, came as a surprise to Alexandra, who was honoured in front of many of her fellow fundraising volunteers and the Coxswain and Mechanic of the lifeboat station.
The official citation records that Alexandra Van Tuyll is awarded the RNLI’s Certificate of Thanks in recognition of her generous support of Achill Island Lifeboat Station since 1999. Her contributions have included Christmas card sales, art exhibitions and donations. In 2012, she produced a magnificent publication titled ‘Sea Meets Land, Around Ireland In Aid of the RNLI, showcasing her extensive visits to the stations around the coast of Ireland. Her valued contributions help the RNLI to save lives.
Speaking in presenting Alexandra with her award, the RNLI’s Head of Region Anna Classon said, ‘I feel I have come full circle in presenting this award. I started my career with the RNLI as a Fundraising Manager on the West Coast of Ireland and Alexandra was someone I came to know early on in that role. The lifeboat is a hugely important part of this community and having a fundraising group, who will step up and support the lifeboat crew, to ensure that they can save lives at sea, means that this work continues. From the range of fundraising activities that Alexandra has supported and continues to champion, that future is in good hands. This recognition is very much deserved and I am delighted to be here to present it.’
Adding his thanks on behalf of the Achill Island RNLI fundraising branch, Anthony McNamara said, ‘This is a fitting tribute to the work Alexandra does on behalf of the lifeboat service here in Achill. We have a wonderful team and the community are very generous in their support of our lifeboat crew. We couldn’t do it without volunteers like Alexandra and her endless enthusiasm and dedication for raising vital funds for saving lives at sea. Long may it continue.’
Ends
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.
Learn more about the RNLI
For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. News releases, videos and photos are available on the News Centre.
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.