RNLI fundraisers in Shetland celebrate success
RNLI fundraisers in the Shetland Islands are celebrating success – and a special recognition for years of voluntary service.
The annual Lifeboat Gala day organised by supporters of the station in Aith (the most northerly RNLI lifeboat station) has successfully raised over £7’000 for the charity.
One of the local fundraising volunteers – Catherine Henry – has also been awarded an RNLI medal to mark 20 years of fundraising service.
“I’m so proud to be a part of such a special and supportive community, and although there’s plenty of folk that deserves medals more than me, it’s very special to be recognised and I can’t stop smiling. I have very close family ties to the Aith lifeboat, and the Lifeboat Gala day is a highlight of the year – made even more memorable this year by being awarded my RNLI medal.”
Fellow fundraiser Frances Moffat said that organisers were very grateful to everyone who attended Gala events, and who helped make the day such a success.
“Our sincere thanks to everyone for their support. It was a brilliant and worthwhile day and night, raising a fantastic amount of money in support of a fantastic lifesaving charity – one which holds a special and valued place in the hearts of Shetlanders.”
The 2024 Gala day – held on Saturday 1st June in Aith – involved stalls, games, food and entertainment, as well as tours of Aith’s Severn class RNLI lifeboat Charles Lidbury and the local lifeboat station. There was good attendance from Shetland’s Up Helly Aa Jarl Squads – with Vikings visiting from Lerwick, Delting, Northmavine, South Mainland and Walls. The event was rounded off at night with a well-attended Family Dance at the Aith Hall, led by the Peter Wood Band.
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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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.