Fire Service Kayak event raises over £2000

Pete Walmsley RNLI, and Lin Malt Fire Fighters Charity, receiving cheques.

As reported below, last September the Round Hayling Kayak Event, organised in partnership between Hampshire Fire and Rescue (Havant and East Hants – Group South) and Hayling RNLI station attracted over 20 competitors who enjoyed fine weather and calm seas for their challenging adventure.

The purpose of the event was to raise funds for the Fire Fighters Charity and the Hayling RNLI Station and as predicted at the time they have raised a magnificent £2100. In mid December Watch Managers Martyn Elliott and Perry Dodgson met at Havant Fire Station with the third organiser Mark Pannell to present the cheques to representatives from the RNLI and The Fire Fighters Charity. Mark said “It was a fantastic effort both on the day and since both to succeed in the challenge and raise this much money.’ Perry, who is the local representative for the Fire Fighters Charity said, ‘It was a massive team effort between the Fire Service and the RNLI and we are looking forward to an even bigger event next year.’

Receiving the cheque for £1000 RNLI Launch Authority Peter Walmsley said ‘We are most grateful for this donation which will help to support us in maintaining our high standards of safety equipment.’ He was joined by Lin Malt, Service co-ordinator for the Fire Fighters Charity who received a cheque for £1100 and said ‘I am totally amazed at what the guys have achieved here and am most grateful to all the brave kayakers who took part and to the RNLI crew who supported us.’