FUNDRAISERS have praised the ‘terrific’ response of communities in Weymouth and across the south west who came together to support a campaign to buy vital kit for RNLI lifesavers.

The ‘Yellow Welly’ campaign has been going on throughout May and organisers hoped that £750,000 would be raised nationally to fund kit such as lifejackets, helmets and the RNLI’s iconic yellow wellies.

Locally, the Jurassic Skyline lit up in yellow to support the fundraisers, and local RNLI crews got involved in a challenge to transport a yellow welly across the south west coast in a relay.

From lifeboat, tall ship, helicopter and even a penny farthing, the yellow welly has made its way along the coast with the help of lifeguards, lifeboat crew members and RNLI, fundraisers and staff. It has also travelled by quad bike, rescue watercraft and bicycle as it was met by welcome parties and supporters from local communities.
 
Community Fundraising Manager at the RNLI Ellie Walker says: ‘The response from our volunteers has once again been terrific. More than £20,000 has already been raised across the south west over the last month, which will go towards the vital kit our RNLI crews rely on to keep them safe while they are saving lives at sea. It costs £1,593 to provide an all-weather lifeboat crew member with all of the vital kit they need during a rescue. We want to thank all of those who have generously supported this event so far."

Last year, RNLI crews launched 8,851 times and saved 431 lives. RNLI volunteer crew members are willing to drop everything to go and save lives at sea when their pagers beep. The kit they wear is essential when they are out in all weathers.

With 4,800 volunteer lifeboat crew members providing a 24-hour search and rescue service around the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland coasts, money raised through Mayday will help kit out RNLI crews so they’re ready to face the harshest conditions at sea. 

To find out more about the event visit facebook.com/RNLIMaydayWellyRelay