Nith Inshore Rescue has received “overwhelming” public support to its donations appeal – topped by a triple-grant boost this week of more than £105,000.
A fortnight ago the Standard revealed that a “critical” appeal has been launched to save the vital lifeboat rescue service for the Upper Solway area after a crippling 40 per cent drop in donations and a hefty rise in running costs.
The charity, which needs around £35,000 a year to operate, is seeking 600 core supporters willing to sign up to give a regular donation of between £2 and £8 a month to sustain the wholly volunteer-run team.
The cash is urgently needed to help with annual costs such as insurance, electricity, gas and crew equipment and supplies.
Treasurer, Gwilym Gibbons, said: “Following our recent appeal for regular small donations, we have been overwhelmed by the swift and generous response from all those who have signed up to donate sums between £2 and £10 per month via our JustGiving page.
“We have received nearly £1,000 worth of monthly sign-ups, which is nearly 25 per cent of the target, in just a few weeks. We have also received several one-off donations, which are all greatly appreciated.”
The charity has also been actively seeking grant support to replace its ageing Land Rover and to undertake a major refit of its larger lifeboat, St John.
On Tuesday, the team received confirmation from Dumfries and Galloway Council’s communities committee of a £76,555 Coastal Communities Fund award.
And a further £20,000 has been secured from St John Scotland as well as £10,000 from the National Lottery Awards For All Scotland.
A delighted Mr Gibbons said that together the grants will enable Nith Inshore Rescue to move ahead with replacing its 20-year-old Land Rover Ambulance with a new vehicle and carry out an urgently required refit of its St John’s Lifeboat.
However, they still need to secure a further £40,000 for the latter project.
The work will complete a refit started in 2021 which saw the replacement of engines at a cost of £50,000 and should ensure the 10-year-old lifeboat is fit for purpose for another 10 years of service.
Mr Gibbons said: “The funding will enable us to improve the safety of our volunteer crew when responding both by road with our small lifeboat in tow and by sea when launching our St John Lifeboat.”
Team chairman, Laurie Irving, said: “I would like to take this opportunity to thank Dumfries and Galloway Council for their support through this significant Coastal Communities Fund grant and the repeated and much-appreciated help from St John Scotland, who we have enjoyed a long and supportive relationship with.
To make a donation, visit Nith Inshore Rescue’s website at www.nithrescue.org.uk and follow the link to their JustGiving page by clicking “donate” on the top right of the page and choose monthly donation. Or email give@nithrecue.org.uk for other donations.
