Hartlepool lifeboat fundraiser praised by RNLI
A long standing and much admired fundraiser for the RNLI has been presented with a 'Certificate of Thanks' from the charity that saves lives at sea.
The certificate that has been signed by the RNLI chief executive Mark Dowie was presented to 85 year old Beryl Sherry of the Hartlepool RNLI Enterprise Branch by the Rnli's Michael Charlton who is the Marketing and Visitor Experience Lead with the charity.
Michael said " Beryl has been a fundraiser for the RNLI for the past 34 years and the amount of income raised by her and her team over the years to help save lives at sea is absolutely incredible. Everyone knows Beryl for her lovely personality and she has been a great advocate for the RNLI and its been an absolute pleasure to meet her again today and present her with the certificate".
Speaking on behalf her mum her daughter Angela who was accompanied by her sisters Lydia and Jacqueline said "Mams absolutely delighted to receive the certificate and meeting up with some of her fellow fundraisers who she has known for many years. She remembers the idea for a fundraising branch came from her brother in law Eric Reeve who was coxswain of the lifeboat back in 1990 so my mam took it from there and has fundraised ever since. From a family point of view we are all very proud of her amazing dedication to help raise such a large amount of money over the years for the towns lifeboat."
Hartlepool RNLI chairman Malcolm Cook said "We have made Beryl an honorary member of the Enterprise Branch. Her commitment to raising money for the charity has been an inspiration to the other members."
Hartlepool RNLI coxswain Robbie Maiden said "Beryl's amazing fundraising activities over the years around the town centre shops and at various events with her team have enabled us to be on call 24/7 and help those in trouble at sea."
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.