Ball launches lifeboat campaign

A NEW fund-raising drive has been launched to raise thousands of pounds needed to renew the Portishead Lifeboat.

Members of the Portishead and Bristol Lifeboat Trust say they envisage the seven-year-old boat currently in use will need replacing within the next two years.

Fund-raising is an ongoing challenge for the trust, to keep the voluntary service running but now an additional �47,000 is needed for a new vessel in the future.

To kick off the latest appeal volunteers have organised a fund-raising ball and auction, which they hope will raise thousands of pounds.

Trust fund-raiser Helen Lazenby said: “The Portishead boat takes a regular pounding in the channel and we need to plan ahead.

“It will without doubt need renewing within two years and if we don’t get a new boat in place in time, we will have to come off station, it’s as simple as that.”

Bristol comedian Justin Lee Collins has thrown his weight behind the cause and will be the guest of honour at the function that takes place at the Congresbury hotel, Doubletree by Hilton at Cadbury House, on November 19.

Helen added: “It’s fantastic to have such a big name like Justin’s to support our fund-raising campaign. We hope plenty of people will come along to help us raise these vital funds.”

New auction prizes are arriving daily and already include a Lewis Hamilton signed shirt, a driving experience with Porsche at their exclusive circuit in Silverstone, a trip on one of the large ships that come into Avonmouth with the Bristol Pilots and the chance to become a crew member on the lifeboat for a half-day training.

Helen added: “We have some amazing raffle prizes and auction lots. We are extremely grateful to everyone who has been so generous and welcome any other donations.”

The event includes a five-course meal and live music. Tickets are �50 per person.

For more details email Helen on fundraising@portishead-lifeboat.org.uk or call 07800 595 995.