RNLI named as Royal Cornwall Show charity of the year

In 2024, the RNLI marks its 200th anniversary, commemorating and celebrating two centuries of saving lives at sea. Everything the charity has achieved has only been possible thanks to ordinary people doing extraordinary things, from our volunteers who selflessly give their time, to the incredible generosity of our supporters who fund our lifesaving work. 

Since the charity was founded in 1824 the RNLI has saved 146,452 lives nationwide, which equates to an average of two lives saved per day over 200 years. In Cornwall, RNLI volunteer lifeboat crews have saved a total of 6,478 lives, which is approximately 32 lives a year since 1824. And RNLI lifeguards across Cornwall have responded to 128,366 incidents, saving 793 lives, since they became part of the charity’s lifesaving service in 2001*.  

Founded in a London tavern on 4 March 1824 following an appeal from Sir William Hillary, who lived on the Isle of Man and witnessed many shipwrecks, the RNLI has continued saving lives at sea throughout the tests of its history, including tragic disasters, funding challenges and two World Wars. 

Today, the charity is saving more lives, in more ways, in more places than ever before. It operates 238 lifeboat stations and has seasonal lifeguards on more than 240 lifeguarded beaches around the UK and Ireland.  

You can see the RNLI across the three days of the Royal Cornwall Show on its stand, where the charity will be fundraising, spreading awareness of how you can get involved, sharing essential water safety advice and performing water safety demonstrations in the countryside area. The RNLI will also have a central display in the flower tent and a fun competition for local schools to create a hanging basket flower arrangement in a decommissioned lifeboat helmet and create their own floral welly. 

The stand will also have a range of RNLI200 branded clothing and accessories which will be able to purchase across the three days.

Adrian Carey, RNLI Head of Region for the south west, said: 

‘The RNLI is delighted to have been selected as the charity of the year at the 2024 Royal Cornwall Show, especially in our 200th anniversary year. The show is an annual highlight for the local community and, like the RNLI, plays an important role in Cornish life. 

RNLI at 200

On 4 March 2024, the RNLI celebrates 200 years of saving lives at sea – thanks to volunteers giving their time to save others, all funded by voluntary public donations. Throughout its 200th anniversary year, the charity is running events and activities to commemorate its history, celebrate the lifesaving service it provides today, and inspire generations of future lifesavers and supporters. For more information visit RNLI.org/200.