Committed daughter and dad backing lifeboat (From Dorset Echo)
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Committed daughter and dad backing lifeboat
3:30pm Thursday 10th January 2013 in News By Emma Walker
SELFLESS: Alice Higgins, who swam across Weymouth Harbour to raise money for the RNLI lifeboat, with her father Peter, who is running the London Marathon in aid of the charity
A FATHER and daughter fundraising duo will boost funds to help save lives at sea.
The efforts of Alice Higgins, a brave volunteer at Weymouth Lifeboat Station, inspired her dad Peter to help her raise money for the RNLI charity.
The 25-year-old, of Weymouth, kick-started their fundraising challenge by plunging into the town’s harbour dressed as a crocodile as part of the annual Christmas Day Harbour Swim.
Money raised will be added to that collected by her dad Peter, who is gearing up for the London Marathon for the first time in April.
He said: “I have offered to run the London Marathon to support the RNLI, whose volunteer lifeboat crews do such an amazing job in all weathers and at any time of day or night.
“We hear of the experiences of Alice and the fact that she has to be available at such short notice can be challenging, but she is committed to being part of the crew and receives no payment other than excellent training.”
Miss Higgins is also an RNLI Weymouth and West Dorset beach lifeguard during the summer season.
She said: “It is a very worthy cause and I’m proud to volunteer my time to help save lives at sea.
“It is hard work and can be very challenging, so any funds donated to the charity are greatly appreciated.
“I’m very proud of my dad and I was keen to kick-start his fundraising by the harbour swim.”
Mr Higgins, of Dorchester, added that after he retired a year ago he was determined to complete a marathon.
“I know every pound received will go towards helping to save lives at sea, as well as keeping our crews safe.”
Ken Francis, volunteer press officer for the Weymouth RNLI station, praised the efforts of the fundraising duo and said that the funds would be greatly appreciated and put to good use by the charity.
To donate to the cause visit uk.virginmoneygiving.com/PeterHiggins4250
