THERE was something fishy going on at the RNLI tower lifeboat station in Poole this week (SEPT 22) when chef Allegra McEvedy showed up to cook supper for the crew.

The broadcaster and author created a fish dish to kick-off a new fundraiser for the charity, encouraging people to host a Fish Supper between October 9 to 11.

Fish Supper aims to highlight the disrupted dinners RNLI crew experience day-in-day out, and the commitment shown not only by them but their families, who often have an empty place at the dinner table.

Volunteers give up their time, comfort and often home cooked meals to respond at a moment’s notice when the pagers go off.

Last year, RNLI volunteer crew members missed over 8,000 evening meals with their loved ones to brave, cold, angry and often dangerous waters to save lives.

Dorset lifeboat volunteers have had a busy summer as over the last three months (June – August) lifeboats in Lyme Regis, Mudeford, Poole, Swanage and Weymouth have launched a total of 114 times to people in need on the water.

Allegra said: "They’re ordinary people, doing an extraordinary job, and it has been an honour to cook for these brave lads.

"They often risk their own lives to save the lives of others. Gather your friends and family and host your own Fish Supper to raise vital funds for this amazing charity. Sign up now at RNLI.org/FishSupper.’

PANEL

Anyone can take part in the RNLI Fish Supper. Simply go to RNLI.org/FishSupper and register for a free party pack which includes recipe inspiration, party game ideas and place name cards. A Fish Supper party doesn’t have to be held between 9–11 October, but the RNLI asks that all Fish Supper donations are received by November 7.

FACT PANEL

The RNLI charity saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland coasts. The RNLI operates over 237 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and has more than 200 lifeguard units on beaches around the UK. The RNLI is independent of Coastguard and government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824 its lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved over 141,000 lives.