VIDEO: RNLI boat pull in Poole to aid SOS Day (From Bournemouth Echo)

VIDEO: RNLI boat pull in Poole to aid SOS Day

12:38pm Saturday 26th January 2013 in News

A TEAM of burly RNLI trainers successfully pulled a weighty 37-tonne lifeboat 100 metres as part of the organisation’s annual SOS Day charity drive.

The guys pitted muscle power against the Mersey Class lifeboat and a low-loader, to haul the load across Poole’s West Quay Road into the RNLI College entrance.

Their show of strength, supported by passing pedestrians and motorists, was part of the RNLI’s national fundraising day.

RNLI Lifeboat Training Manager Glen Mallen, who joined colleagues who stepped-up to the challenge, said: “There were 19 of us who took part and we’re all part of the training team here in Poole.

“We were really proud to be able to do something to support the fantastic organisation we work for.
“We didn’t do any special training for the event, and about three-quarters of the way into the lifeboat pull you could really feel your legs burning.“

We’ve already raised £300 and we still have sponsorship money to collect, which is great.”

Other events taking place at Poole’s RNLI headquarters on Friday (Jan 25) included a ‘soap our saloons’ carwash, where members of the executive team washed cars for donations, a charity zumba class and bag packing at Asda.

Mr Mallen said: “The money raised on SOS Day goes towards equipping our volunteer lifeboat crew members, helping them to save lives at sea.

“These are the people we help train so it is great to be able to help them out in this way too.”