Barry Dock lifeboat crew welcome MP aboard (From Barry And District News)
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Barry Dock RNLI crew welcome Vale of Glamorgan MP Alun Cairns aboard
10:10am Sunday 3rd March 2013 in News
SUPPORT: RNLI volunteers are urging people to support MP Alun Cairns’ mission to help them raise funds for the lifeboat’s pontoon appeal
MEMBERS of the Barry Dock RNLI lifeboat community have welcomed the Vale MP on board as he prepares for a land-based fundraising challenge for them.
Vale MP Alun Cairns is set to take part in his second Virgin London Marathon this April 21 – running 26.2 miles in aid of the RNLI Barry Dock Lifeboat and Cardiff and the Vale Age Concern, on Holton Road, Barry.
Volunteer crew members last week gave Alun a tour of the boat and station enabling him to see where and how much-sought after funding is used to save lives and educate visitors including school groups.
Alun said: “In the port and seaside town of Barry, the RNLI lifeboat is of vital importance. I have been very impressed by the commitment and the hard work carried out by volunteers at the station who are doing an amazing job. I hope that my marathon run will go some way towards raising the £10,000 the station needs to raise to pay for a pontoon that will enable to lifeboat to launch more safely and quickly than before.”
Coxswain Hugh Davies, said: “Alun was very interested to hear that the fuel costs alone reach £12,500 a year just at this station, so we are always grateful for the support given to us by the people of Barry, the Vale and beyond that helps to ensure that we are ready to carry out a rescue whenever our help is needed.”
Chairman of the Barry Dock lifeboat management group, Stuart McMillan said: “Alun’s contribution will be directed to the Barry Dock Lifeboat Berthing Pontoon Appeal.
“The pontoon has cost the RNLI in excess of £100,000, but we – the station management group – wished to supplement that cost by launching a local appeal for £10,000 funded by the Barry community and business’s.
“We have raised just over £6000. Alun’s contribution will certainly help us to reach our target.
Donations, can be sent to Barry Dock Lifeboat Station and via www.aluncairns.com
