Articles Exmouth RNLI volunteers welcome young fundraiser, Joe

Exmouth RNLI volunteers welcome young fundraiser, Joe

Exmouth RNLI volunteers welcome young fundraiser, Joe

Six year old Stormforce member and Design a Christmas Card competition winner, Joe Stanbury handed over £83.77 to Exmouth RNLI volunteers just before their exercise, on 16 July.

Joe was one of four lucky winners of the charity’s Design a Christmas Card competition last December. His prize consisted of a two-night stay and tour of the Lifeboat College at Poole, plus a Hit the Surf session with RNLI Lifeguards. His artwork has been used in this year’s range of RNLI Christmas cards, with the other three winning designs.

Inspired by his visit to see what it takes to become a crew volunteer, he returned home to Tedburn St Mary, near Exeter, determined to contribute to the fundraising at his local lifeboat station. In early July, during a sharing assembly, Joe spoke about the work of the charity that saves lives at sea and held a cake sale. His father, Brian Stanbury tells the story of his success;

‘Joe’s cake stall was positioned strategically by the door of the school hall, so all the children had to file past Joe’s creations to leave! Joe made 118 cupcakes and raised £83.77 on the day. We are very proud of him.’

Hearing of Joe’s fundraising success, volunteers from Exmouth RNLI invited Joe to present his cheque to Crew volunteers just before their weekly Wednesday exercise. Joe and his family stayed to watch the launch and recovery of the Shannon class lifeboat R and J Welburn using the Shannon Launch and Recovery System on Exmouth beach. Joe’s mother, Nel Stanbury said;

‘This has been an extra treat for Joe. He was really inspired to help following his visit to the Lifeboat College, he especially loved the simulator! Joe has a couple of relatives already involved with the charity and this has helped regenerate a lot of interest for him, seeing the work you all do.’

Joe watches the Shannon class R and J Welburn launch on exercise

Author: ian_taylor@rnli.org.uk