Mum’s plea to hit fund total
A heartbroken mum is making a Mother’s Day wish to see a life-saving boat take to the waters around the River Wear.
Ann Cantle’s son Andrew was killed when the plane he was co-piloting crashed in Cork, Ireland, six years ago.
Ann, 62, is now appealing to people in Sunderland to help a fundraising appeal get over the line this month.
The mum, whose son was a regular volunteer with the RNLI, is calling on Wearsiders to help her raise the final £7,000 needed to launch the Andy Cantle, a new RNLI vessel that will support the lifesaving efforts of the charity’s team of volunteers.
The team at the RNLI, based in Roker, have already raised £33,000, towards their final target, which will allow them to purchase the D class inshore lifeboat, to be named in Andrew’s honour.
Ann, who has lived in Sunderland all of her life, said: “To lose a son is the most painful thing a mother can ever go through.
“However, I am tremendously proud of Andrew’s work during his life with the RNLI, so it would be wonderful to think that his memory could live on, and that his loss could have helped to make something possible that will save many lives.”
Andrew, who was just 27 when he died, joined Sunderland RNLI in 2000 and spent eight years at the station, helping to rescue more than 65 people during his time there.
While the charity would welcome donations, Ann is asking people to buy a fundraising album that features the work of local musicians.
City businesses Rough Diamond Entertainment, Illusions Sunderland and Martinos Restaurant Group have also given their support free of charge to produce a CD, from which 100% of the proceeds will go towards the vessel.
CDs are on sale at The Harbour View Pub and there are also limited copies at Seldon’s Leisureworld in Seaburn.
Alternatively, contact Sunderland RNLI on Facebook.