EMERGENCY service workers and volunteers got together at Clovelly on Sunday to wash cars and show their personal support for local men who have been involved with the charity Refugee Rescue.

The Post has previously reported on Bude lifeguard Richie Heard, Clovelly lifeboat helm Rob Weare, and Widemouth lifeguard and former Clovelly lifeboat crew Adam Beani, who have given their time and skills to crew the ex-RNLI boat ‘Mo Chara’ in the Mediterranean.

This year Mo Chara has assisted in the rescue of more than 2,500 people in the two and half mile crossing between the Turkish mainland and the Greek island of Lesvos.

Their emergency services colleagues wanted to support them on a personal level, and organised a ‘blue light’ car wash, which took place on Sunday at Clovelly Visitor Centre, by kind permission of Clovelly Estates.

The car wash raised £755.97 in cash donations of which £674.50 was Gift Aided. When the 25% Gift Aid tax is claimed back this will bring the total raised from the day for Refugee Rescue to £924.59.

Mark Nesbitt of Hartland Fire Brigade said the day went ‘brilliantly’ and they were ‘blessed’ with the weather.

He said: “It was great to be able to support the local guys in what they were doing. It was great to be able to get the services together — it was a very positive day.”

Among the vehicles washed were two motorhomes that required the use of stepladders, and a van that Mr Nesbitt described as ‘completely green’, adding: “It looked a completely different vehicle coming out, which was quite satisfying!”

Richie Heard said of the support from people back home: “Refugee Rescue, currently operating on the North of Lesvos, would like to wholeheartedly thank all involved. The money raised by these kind of events is without doubt what keeps our boat fuelled, afloat and provides essential safety kit for the crew.

“Personally, I’d like to say how touched I am that local rescue personnel, Coastguard, lifeboat and firefighters, etc., who risk their own lives in the call of duty, are supporting me. It means a great deal. Thank you everyone at home!”

Richie, who is still out with Refugee Rescue as a team coordinator and head of operations, is looking for anyone with SAR (search and rescue) experience or lifeguard qualifications to apply to help the charity at www.refugeerescue.co.uk

For more information on the charity, visit the website or call 07767 271886.