New Years tug o’war challenge raises much-needed funds for New Brighton RNLI

New Years Day marked the third annual New Brighton RNLI tug o’war competition between the Lifeboat volunteers and the Mersey Divers with conditions near perfect down at Fort Perch Rock beach.

The annual New Brighton RNLI tug o’war competition took place on Wednesday 1 January. Established in 1863 the New Brighton Life Boat Centre is located located in the bustling seaside resort of New Brighton, the station operates a B class Atlantic 85 lifeboat. The crews have been presented with a remarkable 48 awards for gallantry.

For three years now a tug o’ war competition has taken place to raise vital funds for the much-needed service.

The competition this year was refereed by Wirral Deputy Mayor, George Davies who crowned New Brighton lifeboat the victors with a two round to nil win over the Mersey Divers, despite their best efforts.

RNLI volunteers and fundraisers collected donations from supporters who had come to cheer on both of the teams. A fantastic total of £603 was raised which is a record amount donated for the event. New Brighton Lifeboat Station would like to thank the community for their amazing support and generous donations.

Mike Jones, New Brighton RNLI Mechanic and tug of war team captain said: ‘This was a fantastic event, it was really good to see so many people supporting both teams and donating our highest total to date in support of the RNLI. We would also like to give a special mention to the Mersey Divers who do a lot of fundraising for the RNLI throughout the year and have also given up their time today to make this event possible.’

The RNLI has recently launched their ‘Perfect Storm’ campaign. Donations are down and deployments are increasing, especially around the Christmas and New Year period. The New Brighton volunteer crew have already been deployed four times over the Christmas and New Year period and without your help and donations we would not be able to continue our operations.

Your donations could help save the next life at sea and you can find out more here.