Mumbles RNLI lifeboat appeal gets an early Christmas present

A 68-year-old man from Swansea has helped raise over £3,000 for the local Money for Mumbles Tamar lifeboat appeal. James King spent 15 days walking the 177 miles along the ancient path of Offa’s Dyke from Chepstow to Prestatyn. His efforts were concentrated on gaining sponsorship to raise money for the RNLI charity.

Setting out mid September, his solo journey involved overnight stays in local guest houses and also camping out under the stars.

Mr King, of Clydach says: ‘I wanted to do the walk but thought it would be useful to raise money for a good cause at the same time, many friends and relatives pledged money for every mile I walked.’

Tim Conway, RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager at The Mumbles says: ‘The RNLI is a voluntary service which receives no government funding. It’s only through the efforts of fundraisers like James King that we can continue to save lives around the British coastline, we’re eternally grateful for his efforts’.

The Mumbles Lifeboat station hit the headlines earlier this summer when it was put to task six times in 24 hours. In July this year the volunteer crews’ day started at 4.22am and following the rescue of three boats and three calls for swimmers in the water ended at 1.20am the next day with no casualties.

The RNLI has set a £150,000 fundraising target over the next three years towards a new £2.7m Tamar class boat for Mumbles. The Tamar lifeboats are the most advanced vessels operated by the RNLI, providing all weather rescue capabilities and will replace the current Tyne class rescue boat that currently serves Mumbles.