MEMBERS of Port Isaac crew and committee arranged a master plan in support of the current national May day appeal by arranging to take part in the West Country Yellow Welly Relay, taking on the responsibility of transporting a specially prepared boot on the fourth stage of its journey around the West Country.

The RNLI fundraising event, aimed at covering costs of lifeboat crewmen equipment, began at Ilfracombe Lifeboat Station, and then went on to Clovelly and Bude, who delivered the boot direct to Port Isaac RNLI by high speed motor cycle delivery, ridden in by Bude lifeboat crewman, Dean Thomson.

Waiting to effect a high speed transfer for its onwards journey by sea, was lifeboat manager, Chris Bolton, senior crewman and training officer, Damien Bolton, and crewmen Niki Bradbury and Andy Hallam, who were manning a private RIB owned by the LOM.

A good turnout of other crew and committee members were present to wave off the intrepid mariners on passage to Newquay, including members of the Nathan Outlaw Michelin Star restaurant, Fish Kitchen, and a star of the popular Doc Martin TV series, Ian McNiece, who plays Bert Large, all of whom are valued supporters of Port Isaac RNLI.

Following what crews termed as a fairly ‘bumpy passage’, a smooth hand over was made to Newquay RNLI, who then took the boot on to St Agnes RNLI with the forward routing covering St Ives, Sennen Cove, Penlee, the Lizard, Falmouth, Fowey to Looe to Plymouth, and finally on Monday, May 8, the boot went from Plymouth to Salcombe, crossing the finishing line at Dartmouth.

Port Isaac RNLI have said they are proud to have played a significant role in this project, with the knowledge that every single penny raised will make a difference, ensuring crews are put to sea with the very best of sea going equipment, altogether fit for purpose.

Over £600 was raised by donations and sales of memorabilia.

In 2016, RNLI crews launched 8,851 times and saved 431 lives. This campaign is the RNLI’s ‘own call for help’, asking people to do their bit to fund their kit and equipment.

With 4,800 volunteer lifeboat crew members providing a 24-hour search and rescue service across the UK and the Republic of Ireland, money raised will help kit out RNLI crews so they are ready to face the harshest conditions at sea.