Welsh music star fundraiser for Anglesey RNLI crews who searched for best friend
Welsh singer/songwriter Ren Gill has raised a staggering £15,000 for RNLI volunteers on Anglesey and is presenting the donation to Beaumaris RNLI.
The donation will be made in recognition of the tireless efforts of RNLI volunteers across the island in searching for his best friend Joe Hughes, who went missing in 2010 and has never been found.
Ren who originates from Anglesey dedicated his debut solo album Freckled Angels and title track to Joe. He is now striving to raise awareness of mental health issues and also to raise funds for the RNLI. Ren is heading home to shoot his latest music video and make the presentation.
A Just Giving page set up by Ren to thank RNLI crews on Anglesey who searched in the early hours in the morning has raised over £15,000. Ren is looking forward to meeting some of the RNLI volunteers at Beaumaris:
Ren says:
‘My following has grown so much; I’ve realised I can make a positive difference by shining lights in certainly areas. The night Joe went missing, RNLI volunteers on Anglesey spent countless hours searching. Sadly, we never found him, but we always felt reassured that the maximum effort was being put into finding him. I’ll always be grateful for that and with this release, I really wanted to do something to give back.
‘The RNLI on Anglesey is lucky to have such brave and selfless men and women who constantly put themselves on the line to rescue people. I’m so pleased that so much has already been raised.’
Catherine Jones, RNLI community manager for the RNLI in north Wales says:
‘As a charity, any donation is hugely appreciated but this amount raised really is incredible. We’re humbled that Ren has used his status and popularity to reach out and raise awareness of the work of our volunteer crew.
‘The team at Beaumaris are thrilled to accept this donation on behalf of all our stations on Anglesey who work tirelessly with the common aim of saving lives at sea. We wish Ren all the best with this latest shoot and thank him sincerely for all his support, which will make a massive difference to our crews off the Anglesey coast.’
Ends
Media Opportunity: Visit Beaumaris RNLI Lifeboat Station as a cheque is handed over to the RNLI on Anglesey by musician Ren Gill
When: 27 June 2023
Time: 3.45pm outside Beaumaris RNLI Lifeboat Station
Interviews will be available with Ren Gill and RNLI representatives.
For more information, please contact Danielle Rush, RNLI Media Relations Manager in Wales, the North West and Isle of Man on 07886 668829. Alternatively, please call the RNLI Press Office on 01202 336 789 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.