I received an email yesterday from John Brian, the person behind an earlier request for one of my lifeboat pictures. John has given the word fundraising a whole new meaning because he has chosen to do a 165ft 'SAS' style abseil from the Forth Rail Bridge for his chosen charity, the RNLI, on Sunday October 3rd 2010. About the reason for John's support for the RNLI he says: "I go to the Isle of Islay many times a year & have alot of friends and family that stay on the Island. A lifeboat has been stationed at Port Askaig in Islay for over 70 years. Often launching into hurricane force winds, today’s Severn class lifeboat provides search and rescue cover for both commercial and leisure marine activities in the area."

Islay Lifeboat in the Sound of Islay

"Every day an average of 22 people are rescued by the RNLI’s lifeboat crews around the coasts of the UK and Republic of Ireland. This service is only made possible because of the personal courage and commitment of our brave volunteers, their high quality equipment and their regular specialist training. Rescue doesn’t come cheap and is made possible by their dedication, training and commitment. People from 45 communities around Scotland volunteer to crew RNLI lifeboats and last year (2008) they rescued 762 people. Over a third of these rescues took place in the dark and Scottish RNLI crews spent a total of 1,642 hours at sea going to the aid of people in need of rescue. As an independent charity the RNLI relies on public donations to ensure rescues are possible. By sponsoring me in the Forth Bridge Abseil fundraising helps this vital service to continue.

This is a fantastic initiative and if you would like to support John and help the RNLI then please do so from his page at uk.virginmoneygiving.com/johnbrian. Your support is very much appreciated.

Tag: lifeboat rnli fundraising charity