RNLI puts out Mayday call for north-east fundraisers
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The RNLI has made an appeal for fundraisers as it releases its rescue figures for 2023, which show that lifeboats launched 9192 times across the UK and Ireland, 1251 of which were in Scotland.
In Scotland, volunteer lifeboat crews at 46 lifeboat stations around the coast launched 1251 times in 2023 – an increase of more than 12 per cent compared to the previous year, saving 15 lives.
The charity is now putting out its own Mayday call as it faces yet another busy year ahead.
It is encouraging people to take part in its Mayday Mile fundraiser.
Jill Hepburn, head of region for the RNLI in Scotland, said: “Summer is our busiest time of year, with thousands of people at risk of getting into danger by the water.
“Having recently marked the RNLI’s 200th anniversary, we’re putting out our call for help to raise the funds which will help keep our lifesaving service going today and into the future.
“As a charity we rely on the support and generosity of the public to take part in events like the Mayday Mile and raise the funds that allow us to be there when we’re needed most.”
Whether people choose to walk, jog, hop or skip, a mile every day in May it will help raise vital funds for RNLI lifesavers, so that they can continue to keep people safe at sea.
Jill added: “It’s clear from these new figures that demand for our services remains high, with our lifesaving volunteers dropping everything to run to the lifeboat station when the call comes.
“Every penny raised through our amazing supporters’ Mayday Miles will go towards ensuring we are ready whenever the call for help comes in.’
Visit RNLI.org/supportMayday to sign up for the Mayday Mile, or to make a donation in support of the RNLI’s lifesavers.
