A letter from John Murray, who retired as Anstruther Coxswain this year after 33 years with the RNLI.
This will be the first Christmas in all my years of married life when I'll be home with Jenny and our four kids knowing for sure that I won't be called out on a shout. But I'll still be thinking about all my friends in the crew. The sea is always dangerous.
When the RNLI asked me to help with the Christmas appeal, I welcomed the opportunity. That's because I know that a lifeboat crew's ability to save lives at sea depends on the contributions given by valued supporters like you – it's the reason the RNLI can equip and train their volunteer crews.
Can you help by sending a gift today? A donation of £20 could help buy a pair of yellow sea boots. It will give us all peace of mind, knowing the RNLI can afford to carry on giving its volunteers the training and equipment they need. I think I can speak for every lifeboat coxswain, active and retired, when I say that.
Different crews, at different lifeboat stations, celebrate the festive season in different ways. Here at Anstruther, we put up a tree in the station and cards from well-wishers. It always means a lot to lifeboat crews to know that RNLI supporters are thinking of them. We also save up over the year to hire a band and enjoy a dance with our families. But our folks understand if – in the middle of it all – the shout goes up and we have to run down to the quayside. The slightest chance of saving lives at sea, and the lads will go. Last Winter, lifeboat crews around our island coasts launched 956 times.
I wish you an enjoyable Christmas.
Yours faithfully,
Retired Coxswain,
Anstruther lifeboat.
Please click here if you would like to make a donation to the RNLI Christmas appeal.
Thank you. Have a happy Christmas and a peaceful New Year.