Lions Clubs’ donation kits out CI Air Search

Representatives of both clubs were in attendance for the presentation of the suits – which were being worn by Air Search pilots Mark Seabrook and John Fitzgerald – at the Air Search’s hangar at the airport.

Also known as immersion suits, the overalls are made of a lightweight neoprene, and are intended to protect the wearer from hypothermia if they are immersed in cold water, as well as provide greater comfort.

Five suits have been donated in total, and Lions Club of Guernsey president Rob Holder said they were an improvement on the previous suits, some of which had not been replaced in more than 20 years.

‘We donated some a few years ago but since then the Air Search crew has grown and become more gender-diverse,’ he said.

‘We spoke with the Jersey Lions about the donation and both clubs have contributed half towards the cost of the suits, so it really is a joint initiative.’

The donation continues the Lions Clubs’ long-standing links with Air Search, which stretches back to 1980. The clubs have contributed to the purchases of CIAS aircraft in the past, while they have also hosted fundraising events together.

Lions Club of Jersey president Damon Greber had flown in to Guernsey for the morning with some of his fellow club members for the presentation, in what was only a fleeting visit to Guernsey for them. He said he was glad that they had been able to jointly fund the suits.

‘We’ve done a few things in the past with the Guernsey Lions so to be able to resurrect that is great, especially for something as vital as these suits.’

Guernsey Friends of Air Search president David Hugo expressed the charity’s gratitude for the continued support from the Lions Clubs.

‘It’s a partnership that stretches back a long way now, but the fact they continue to fundraise for this cause despite the cost of living crisis, we couldn’t be more grateful,’ he said.