RNLI Port Talbot spread some festive cheer across eight lifeboat stations
This week saw all volunteer crew including fundraisers and shop team at RNLI Port Talbot collaborate in sending Christmas care packages to eight lifeboat stations around the UK with the simple objective of spreading a little joy to fellow crew.
The Christmas packages consisted of a bottle of rum, a homemade cake, tea, coffee, biscuits and a box of chocolates.
Choosing which lifeboat station should receive a package was as difficult as ever as all stations have their own amazing rescue stories.
The stations chosen have performed some outstanding work within their community and between them have assisted and rescued many people throughout the year.
Christmas packages were sent to Lerwick, Invergordon, Anstruther, Whitby, Tower, Ilfracombe, Flint and Bembridge lifeboat stations.
Clive Morris, Lifeboat Operations Manager said: ‘We believe in one crew. All we wish to do at Port Talbot station is to spread a little festive cheer and to wish these stations a very Merry Christmas from us all. We hope that the deliveries raise a smile or two at the receiving stations.
'We started to send out packages during Covid where we thought that some stations really needed and deserved some festive cheer and will continue to do so for as long as is possible.'
What does make the stations that received the packages even more poignant is that there is a close affiliation between crew members and Anstruther, Whitby and Invergordon Lifeboats because some Port Talbot crew have their loved ones names in either a letter or a number on the side of the Lifeboat through the Launch a Memory programme.
As well as the care packages, the station sent a retirement gift to RNLI Chief Executive Mark Dowie who steps down from his position in 2024, the RNLI's 200th anniversary year. We were so pleased to host a visit from Mark in September and wanted to pass on our thanks for his leadership over the years.
To top off a wonderful week of festive giving, Port Talbot lifeboat station was awarded Excellence in Volunteering in recognition of their excellent contribution to the RNLI for their implementation of educating children in the area on water safety. In two weeks over 3,600 children learned vital lifesaving skills.
Finally, we would also like to take this opportunity to thank all our lifesavers and supporters for everything they have done to allow us to keep saving lives, thank you for your commitment, dedication and generosity.
RNLI media contacts
For more information please contact Port Talbot RNLI Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer, Kirstee David on [email protected], or Claire Fitzpatrick-Smith, Regional Communications Manager on [email protected] or 07977 728 315.
Alternatively, you can contact the RNLI Press Office on [email protected] or 01202 336789.
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.