For the volunteers at Sandown & Shanklin Independent Lifeboat, it’s always a pleasant surprise when 13-year-old Emilia Belchamber from Surbiton and her Aunt, Vivien White, pop into their independent lifeboat station and present them with a donation.
This year they donated a total of £1,150, over £300 more than the previous year’s total of £808.62.
Since they started in 2018, the Aunt and Niece duo have raised a total of £2,658.62 – this has been done by selling handmade jewellery out of tumbled beach glass and shells as well as painted pebbles and wind chimes.
This has all been done from their beach hut on Shanklin Hope beach, with some of their fellow hut owners on the popular stretch of beach helping out and making items for their stall.
Mark Birch operations manager said:
“I am always so delighted to see Emilia and Vivien each year and their support goes a long way.
“We are amazed at how many wonderful things they make, and all their thoughtfulness and hard work.”
What a lovely couple, a kind thing to do, just wish the ubber wealthy who spend more than most will ever earn on their yachting activities etc could not fund what is often a more valuable service for them than others.
I am sure many do, but am equally sure many don’t.
well done great achievement and commitment from the pair of you .
Also totally agree that maybe those wealthy yachtsmen and women who are very glad to see the rescue team when in trouble show some gratitude towards the Life boat rescuers