RNLI launches ‘Mayday Mile’ charity fundraiser
THE RNLI is launching a mayday call of its own as it prepares for another busy summer, after it released figures showing it launched 131 times from the Channel Islands in 2022.
Of these, 66 were within the Bailiwick of Guernsey, with 16 launches from Alderney and 50 from St Peter Port.
Five lives were saved within the Channel Islands last year.
Regional engagement lead at the RNLI Lucy Ashton described how important the service, run entirely by volunteers, is to the Channel Islands.
‘The RNLI has been saving lives at sea for very nearly 200 years.
‘Our incredible lifeboat crews in Alderney, Guernsey and Jersey launched 131 times last year to help those in need, and our lifeguards kept people safe across our beaches,’ she said.
‘We are so proud of our brave and selfless lifesavers.’
The charity runs a 24-hour search and rescue service around our coasts and operates almost entirely through fundraising and donations. It is now encouraging islanders to sign up to its nationwide fundraiser the ‘Mayday Mile.’
This initiative challenges participants to cover a mile a day over the month of May while raising money to go towards training and equipment for RNLI lifesavers.
In 2021 its nationwide total charitable spend was £159.6m.
‘As a charity, we rely on the generous support of members of the public to continue this lifesaving work.
‘We need ongoing fundraising, now, more than ever, to keep providing our lifesavers with the best equipment and training for their important lifesaving role, which is why we’re calling on people to support our lifesavers this May,’ said Ms Ashton
‘It’s so easy to get involved, and to have fun while helping the RNLI save lives.’
The Mayday Mile runs throughout May.
n More information on the fundraising campaign can be found on the website RNLI.org/SupportMayday today.
