Generations of RNLI lifesavers on call this Christmas at Eyemouth RNLI
The Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) is launching its annual Christmas fundraising appeal, with a focus on the generations of families who have volunteered their time and commitment 24/7, 365 days a year, to ensure the charity’s lifesaving service has continued for nearly 200 years.
On average, RNLI lifeboats launch over 100 times during the Christmas period* every year. Whatever weather winter throws at them, RNLI crews are ready to battle the elements to save lives at sea. These rescues, and others all year round, are only made possible by the RNLI’s generous supporters, helping to fund the essential kit, training and equipment needed by lifeboat crews.
Christmas is a time for family and, for many, a time for sharing stories of times and generations past. For the Walker family from Eyemouth, these stories often involve saving lives at sea.
Peter Walker joined the volunteer crew at Eyemouth RNLI in 2005 and has helped save lives at sea for nearly 20 years. During this time, he has passed out as a mechanic and is now also training to become a volunteer coxswain. He is joined on the crew by his son, Ben Walker, who also joined the crew in 2005.
Peter follows in the footsteps of his grandfather and father, who were both involved with the Eyemouth lifeboat, with his grandfather serving as coxswain between 1953-57, and his father, Joe Walker, volunteering on the crew for 24 years before retiring in 1989.
What’s more, Peter’s older brother, George ‘Tudor’ Walker, joined the crew in the early 1970s at the age of 17 and was on the crew for 38 years. During this time, George also held the position of coxswain at Eyemouth RNLI.
Peter’s late brother, Joe Walker, also volunteered on the crew from the early 1980s until 1997.
Peter says: ‘I grew up seeing my dad being called out on the lifeboat, and now I am training to be a coxswain myself. It’s a really proud moment thinking about our family history and our involvement with the lifeboat here in Eyemouth to help save lives at sea.’
He continues: ‘There’s no feeling quite like bringing someone home safe to their families – especially at Christmas. But as volunteer lifeboat crew we couldn’t launch without kind donations from the public which fund the kit, training and equipment we need to save others and get home safely to our own families.’
To make a donation to the RNLI’s Christmas Appeal, and enable the charity to continue its lifesaving work, visit: RNLI.org/WinterAppeal
ENDS
*’Christmas period’ refers to 24 – 31 December inclusive
RNLI media contacts
For more information, please contact Natasha Bennett, Regional Communications Manager, at [email protected] or call 07826 900639.
Alternatively, you can contact:
Wendy Lorimer, Lifeboat Press Officer, [email protected]
Martin Macnamara, Regional Communications Lead, [email protected]
Tom McGuire, Regional Communications Manager, [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.