The Courier & Advertiser (Angus and Dundee)
Motley crew joins RNLI lifesavers for May Day mile fundraiser
Arbroath RNLI enlisted unusual crew characters for their return to fundraising duties in the town.
The lifesavers took part in the charity’s weekend Mayday Mile fundraising drive, with fancy dress superheroes and movie figures joining them on the bucket collection walk.
RNLI crews around the coast of Tayside and Fife have seen callout rates remain high throughout the pandemic. But their income has been decimated during lockdown.
The easing of coronavirus restrictions is offering hope that the fundraising flow will increase significantly ahead of what is expected to be another busy summer.
One Arbroath crew member is also going the extra mile in his own fundraising mission. Coxswain Michael Marr hopes to raise £500 this month with a 150-mile challenge – including scaling a couple of Angus Munros in his RNLI kit.
Michael said: “For over 12 years I’ve been an active member of the Arbroath lifeboat crew.
“Last year was one of the busiest I remember in terms of shouts.
“At Arbroath, we get a number of callouts that turn out to be false alarms with good intent.
“However, last summer, most probably due to a lot of people staying at home and enjoying what our amazing local coastline has to offer, we were busy dealing with shouts where people were in need of assistance.
“With the national callouts going up and the need for funding more important than ever I decided to step up to the plate and help raise funds for the fuel I’ll probably help burn this summer.
“I am going to complete 150 miles through the month of May of mainly running.
“But to up the ante I will also be completing some of our local Munros in full inshore lifeboat (ILB) gear of dry suit and life jacket.”
Arbroath Lifeboat Guild also reopened the doors of its fundraising shop at the harbour for the bank holiday weekend.
Summer season opening will resume in June.
Guild president Mo Morrison said: “We have been unable to organise the usual fundraising events, but there is light at the end of the tunnel. We will have a stand at the farmers’ market at Victoria Park on May 30 and it will be great to be back.”