New £52k lifeboat comes to Blackpool RNLI after year of outstanding fund-raising despite the odds

In January last year Blackpool RNLI announced its plans to raise enough money to buy a new lifeboat as its existing vessel approached retirement. But just a few weeks later the country was put into strict coronavirus lockdown and all traditional ways of fundraising ground to a halt.

The charity had to close the doors at its shop on Blackpool Promenade and cancel its annual open day. Meanwhile members of the community who would usually be taking part in various schemes and challenges in aid of the RNLI, from summer fetes to daring sky-dives, were also forced to axe their planned fund-raisers and take up other means of raising cash, such as online crowd-funds and one-man marathons in the privacy of their own homes.

Now, as the charity celebrates meeting its £52k goal despite the odds, a spokesman said: "It’s clear that a global pandemic was no match for the determination of the people of Blackpool to support their local lifeboat crew."

The new, highly-maneuverable D-class lifeboat is due to arrive in Blackpool later this summer. The vessel can travel up to 25 knots and will carry up to three lifeboat crew as they launch to save lives in shallow water and confined locations such as close to cliffs, among rocks and inside caves.

Ryan Preece, RNLI community manager said: "The RNLI would like to thank everyone who have supported Blackpool RNLI volunteers in raising £52,000 to help fund their new inshore lifeboat. Within a year of launching the appeal, the target of £52,000 has been reached – a fantastic achievement.

"On behalf of the charity, I would like to thank the fantastic team at Blackpool RNLI for their hard work and determination as they constantly adapted their fundraising plans. Like all charities, 2020 was a challenging year for the RNLI when all traditional fundraising had to stop – all our shops were closed, there were no collections and all events had to be cancelled. But this major challenge was no feat for the Blackpool community, as we now celebrate reaching the £52,000 target."

Now the people of Blackpool have been given a new challenge: choosing a name for the new lifeboat.

Keith Horrocks, Blackpool lifeboat operations manager, said: "All the RNLI volunteers at Blackpool would like to say a big thank you to the local community for their continued support throughout last year. You – the Blackpool community and our dedicated supporters – have helped to fund our next lifeboat, and because of that the volunteers would like to ask you to help us choose her name.

"In the coming weeks Blackpool RNLI will be announcing a shortlist of possible names for the new inshore lifeboat. As you, our local community and supporters, helped us raise the money for the lifeboat, we would like your help once again in choosing the name. The shortlist will be released soon, so keep an eye on our social media channels for more information."