Hoylake RNLI crew to host mayday car wash to raise vital funds for lifesaving work

The lifesaving volunteers of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) are more familiar than most with answering a mayday call — the most urgent distress signal at sea.

But this May, they’re making a call of their own as they launch their annual Mayday fundraising campaign.

The Hoylake RNLI crew is inviting the local community to support their efforts by attending their Mayday Charity Car Wash on Sunday 11 May, running from 10am to 12.30pm. For a suggested donation of £10 per vehicle, volunteers will be on hand to scrub, rinse and polish cars, all to help raise funds for the RNLI’s lifesaving services.

After raising £1,500 at last year’s event, the Hoylake team is hoping to surpass that total in 2025. All proceeds from the RNLI’s Mayday appeal will help ensure that volunteer lifeboat crews and beach lifeguards have the equipment and training they need to keep people safe at sea throughout the busy summer season.

Howie Owen, Hoylake RNLI Coxswain, said:

‘Summer is our busiest time of year, when thousands of people head to the coast to enjoy days out with family or friends. Many will not be aware of the risks and will get into danger on or around the water.’

‘Mayday is our own call for help, as the RNLI relies on the generosity of the public to help us be there when we’re needed most. We’re looking forward welcoming our community to this year’s fundraising car wash. Our crew clean our lifeboat, hovercraft and tractors thoroughly after every launch, so visitors can be sure their cars will leave looking ship-shape!’

The RNLI’s Mayday national fundraiser begins on Thursday 1 May and will run throughout the month across the UK and Ireland, helping to raise awareness and funds for the charity’s essential work.

For those unable to attend the Hoylake Car Wash, there are other ways to get involved. The RNLI’s Mayday Mile challenge invites supporters to complete at least one mile — or more — in any way they choose: walking, running, hopping or skipping.

Find out more about the Mayday campaign on the RNLI website.

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