Six Donegal RNLI volunteer lifeboat crew members set for charity's fundraiser
Final preparations are underway at the three Donegal based RNLI Lifeboat Stations at Arranmore, Bundoran and Lough Swilly for the charity’s Mayday Mile challenge which will see six volunteer crew (two from each station) climb Donegal’s highest summit, Errigal, this Saturday in full RNLI crew kit.
Since the fundraiser was announced a few weeks ago, the six lifeboat crew members Chris Fox and Brian Fowley (Bundoran), Stephen Quigley and Barry Nixon (Lough Swilly) and Aisling Cox and Brian Proctor (Arranmore) have been psyching themselves up for the challenge. Gym sessions have been completed and many steps have been climbed in preparation for the event.
Killian O’Kelly, RNLI Water Safety Education Manager and organiser of the fundraiser has been encouraging the six crew ‘we’ll be right there with them on the day – we know it’ll be a tough one for them. I’d like to thank everyone who has donated so far and remind people who would like to contribute that the Just Giving page remains open and details can be found on each station’s facebook page. A massive thanks also to the crew from each station who have volunteered to complete the challenge. It’s not what the crews are used to, they face challenging conditions at sea when they go and help those in trouble on the water, but this is very different for them. We also want to show people where their funds go and that we are grateful for every cent to give us.’
During this month of May the RNLI is encouraging members of the public to complete their own “Mayday Mile” however they see fit. Money raised through the Mayday Mile could help RNLI lifesavers have everything they need to keep families safe this summer. Warmer weather draws more people to the water, and RNLI volunteer lifeboat crews will drop whatever they’re doing when a call for help comes in.
For updates on the Errigal climb on the day, keep an eye to the social media channels of Arranmore RNLI, Bundoran RNLI and Lough Swilly RNLI.
Donations to the Errigal challenge can be made via a special Just Giving page which has been set up - https://www.justgiving.com/page/one-crew-climb-errigal - the final sum will be divided equally between the three Donegal stations.
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.