CHRISTMAS is a time for family and friends, but the RNLI’s volunteer crews are ready to leave their own celebrations this festive season and answer the call for help.
On average, RNLI lifeboats launch over 100 times during the Christmas period every year.
Whatever weather winter throws at them, RNLI crews at Lough Swilly, Arranmore and Bundoran, are ready to battle the elements to save lives at sea.
Among the crew members preparing for a Christmas on call are husband and wife, Richard and Laura Gillespie from Bundoran RNLI.
The lifeboat has always been a part of family life for Laura. Her father Joe McNulty was one of the founders of the original Bundoran Inshore Rescue Service before it went on to be Bundoran RNLI 30 years ago, in 1994.
Joe is now the station treasurer while Laura’s brother Kealan is a helm.
Laura joined the crew in 2012 and it was her father who inspired her to get involved.
“From when I was small, I have been down at the lifeboat station. I grew up with it.
“I remember as a child after there was a storm and a bit of damage to the station, the lifeboat was stored in our garage for a period, and I would go out to play on it,” she said.
As she looks ahead to another Christmas, Laura knows her family and her fellow crew members are ready.
“There’s no feeling quite like bringing someone home safe to their families – especially at Christmas. Even at this time of year, people still get in trouble in the water, and like all RNLI crews, we at Bundoran are prepared to leave our own celebrations to help others.
“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.”
To make a donation to the RNLI’s Christmas Appeal, and enable the charity to continue its lifesaving work, visit: RNLI.org/WinterAppeal
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