Portrush RNLI Annual Christmas Fundraising Appeal for Life-Saving Operations at Sea

This year again, the RNLI has opened its annual Christmas fundraising appeal to help the charity save lives at sea.

On average, RNLI lifeboats launch over 100 times over the Christmas festivities every year.

The Antrim RNLI branch carries out rescues in the County Derry water. The RNLI Portrush branch covers right into Benone Downhill and also respond to shouts in Donegal and Lough Foyle.

The money gathered thanks to the fundraising will be used to buy essential kits, and fund training and equipment needed for the lifeboat crews.

Whatever the weather, the life crew will be out at sea to help any eventual person in need of help.

The volunteers are carrying out a continuous search and rescue service around the clock all year round.

Karl O’Neill is a deputy Coxswain on the All-Weather Lifeboat and Area Supervisor for the RNLI Lifeguards in Northern Ireland and Jason Chambers is a Helm on the D boat and relief mechanic.

They are both carrying on their family tradition of being part of the Portrush RNLI for generations.

Karl and Jason’s great-grandfather Karl D. Chambers was a mechanic at Portrush from 1924 to 1947.

“There’s no feeling quite like bringing someone home safe to their families – especially at Christmas,” said both Karl and Jason.

“But as volunteer lifeboat crew we couldn’t launch without kind donations from the public which fund the kit, training, and equipment we need to save others and get home safely to our own families.

“We are proud to be carrying on the family tradition serving the community at Portrush RNLI – we like to think they would be very proud.”

First founded in 1824, the RNLI, its lifeboat crews and lifeguards saved over 142,700 lives.

To make a donation to the RNLI’s Christmas Appeal, and enable the charity to continue its lifesaving work, visit: RNLI.org/WinterAppeal