Support Mayday Mile fundraiser

The RNLI has launched its Mayday Mile fundraiser as the charity’s rescue figures for 2020 show the lifesaving crew at Lough Derg RNLI launched its inshore lifeboat 17 times, bringing 52 people to safety. Five of those launches were carried out in the hours of darkness.

Lough Derg RNLI has remained operational throughout the pandemic with volunteers working amid Covid-19 restrictions and with additional safety protocols in place.

During this time, RNLI crews have responded to a range of activities including people experiencing navigational difficulties on the lake, boat maintenance problems, engine breakdowns and running aground.

The charity is now putting out its own Mayday call for help as it prepares for a busy summer.

With high numbers of visitors expected as more people choose to holiday closer to home, more funds are needed to ensure the lifesaving service is able to keep everyone safe. The RNLI is asking people to do their own Mayday Mile to help raise funds.

Christine O’Malley, Lough Derg RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager, said: “Our lifeboat crew has remained operational throughout the pandemic and have had to operate in a different way while wearing additional PPE including surgical masks.

“They have done this while launching their lifeboats to help those in trouble on the lake.

“As another summer approaches, we know that our lifesavers face more challenges in keeping everyone safe, which is why we are now the ones sending out our own Mayday call and asking for help.

“Our annual Mayday fundraising campaign is our call for your support to help keep you and your family safe this summer.”

Running for the whole month, the RNLI’s Mayday campaign asks people to sign up to support lifesavers around Ireland and the UK.

This year, the charity will be calling on supporters to join the Mayday Mile, and cover at least one mile in any way they like in order to raise vital funds.

Christine added: “Our lifesavers at Lough Derg RNLI will drop everything to run to the lifeboat station when the call comes, so we’re asking our supporters to put themselves in the crew’s boots and join the Mayday Mile.

“Every cent raised during Mayday will go towards ensuring we are ready to save even more lives this year.”

HOW TO SUPPORT THE FUNDRAISER

To sign up for the Mayday Mile, or to make a donation in support of the RNLI’s lifesavers, please visit RNLI.org/supportMayday