Graham Critchlow, who has been a fundraiser at Tynemouth RNLI for over 20 years, has hit the very impressive milestone of raising over £150,000 for the lifeboat station.
RNLI/James Waters
Graham on Tynemouth Severn Class with his 20 year service medal
Graham, from Heaton, spends his spare time going around the local and not so local businesses in the North East. He collects the RNLI boxes that you see on many shop counters to help continue to save lives at Tynemouth RNLI.
His amazing fundraising efforts help keep the Severn class lifeboat, Osier
and D class inshore lifeboat, Little Susie, fuelled up and ready for service. With a fuel bill to cover 300,000 litres every year, Graham's fundraising has a huge impact and ensures that the lifeboats can be ready to answer the call.
Graham currently collects from over 100 boxes dotted between Newcastle and the coast from local pubs, shops and restaurants.
'Every penny counts', Graham says, 'I never thought in my time with the RNLI I would be able to make it to such a huge milestone, but all those pennies, ten pence pieces and pounds have really added up!'
The collection box that took Graham over the £150,000 milestone was from DFDS Ferries, who have been a long time supporter of both Tynemouth RNLI and Graham himself.
Graham added: 'It’s fitting that the collection box that took me over the total was from DFDS, as they were one of the first businesses to help me out over 20 years ago. It couldn’t have been done without all the support of the businesses who help me out.'
James, a Tynemouth RNLI crew member states: 'This is an amazing achievement from Graham and really does help keep the station running. From the bandages and plasters in the first aid kit, to the fuel that goes into the tanks of our lifeboats, it all needs to be paid for. Without Graham's contribution to the station, we wouldn’t be able to go out and save lives at sea.'
If you’re interested in helping Graham reach his next target and would like a collection box in your business, email: [email protected]
RNLI media contacts
For more information please telephone James Waters, RNLI volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer on 07791886324 or [email protected] or Clare Hopps, Regional Media Officer on 07824518641 or [email protected] or contact the RNLI Press Office on 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.
