On Saturday 2nd May 2015 Ramsey’s RNLI volunteers will support the charity’s national MAYDAY 2015 fundraising appeal by attempting to row an imaginary route around the coast of the Isle of Man, a distance over sea of around 68 miles, in a static rowing machine challenge.
The lifeboat crew, fundraisers, shop volunteers, Branch officials and RNLI supporters will be raising funds for the RNLI’s MAYDAY appeal by taking it in turns to clock up the miles. They hope to raise at least ?10 per mile and reach a total of ?700 or more. The event will take place at the Ramsey RNLI Shop on Market Hill, Ramsey. The shop volunteers, assisted by the RNLI’s very own Stormy Stan, will be supporting the event by serving teas, coffees and home made cakes, holding a raffle, taking donations and, of course, selling the iconic and much sought after RNLI Yellow Welly pin badges.
Ramsey Lifeboat Operations Manager Kev Christian MBE who is organising the challenge in collaboration with the RNLI Shop volunteers said: ‘We will be setting off at 9 o’clock on the morning of Saturday May 2nd. It’s thirsty work rowing and by the time we have finished we will probably be ready for a beer or even two!
‘But all joking aside, our volunteer crew are prepared to go out in all weathers and it is crucial that we raise funds to ensure that their training and equipment is of the highest standard. We want our crew, lifeboat and the people they rescue to come home safely.
‘Events and challenges such this demonstrate to the public the commitment we have to ensuring the funding of the RNLI continues and that we remain fully capable of responding to emergencies at sea.
‘The main aim of this rowing challenge is to raise money, after all the RNLI is the charity that save lives at sea, but it will also be a reminder of how difficult it must have been for early lifeboat crews who were expected to row heavy wooden boats for many hours in treacherous seas and foul weather.
‘So please come along and support us on Saturday 2nd May and help us to reach our target. We are looking forward to seeing you and you are most welcome to take a turn at the oars and help us out, should you so wish.’
