Lough Swilly RNLI has received €45,000 from the Remember Me campaign, set up to raise funds in memory of five loved ones who died in the Buncrana Pier tragedy 10 years ago.
Volunteers were delighted to welcome Louise James, her daughter Rioghnach and organisers of the 10th anniversary events in March and May to the lifeboat station on Monday evening (8 June). During the visit, a total of €49,000 was distributed to several emergency services.
Representatives from Greencastle Coast Guard, Malin Marine Rescue Sub-Centre, An Garda Síochána and Buncrana Fire Service joined the volunteers at Lough Swilly Lifeboat Station.
The fundraising events were a gesture of gratitude to all the local emergency services who responded to the incident on 20 March 2016.
In March this year, hundreds gathered donned in red and white to complete a 5k Remembrance Walk from the play park in Buncrana to Stragill Beach via the lifeboat station at Ned’s Point. A gala ball followed in May at The Ebrington Hotel in Derry.
Both events were supported by volunteers and sponsorship from community groups and businesses throughout the region.
John McCarter, Lough Swilly RNLI chair thanked Louise James and her daughter Rioghnach.
“It is overwhelming for Lough Swilly Lifeboat Station to be the recipient of the substantial €45,000 donation from the Remember Me campaign, which celebrates and honours the lives of Sean, Mark, Evan, Ruth and Jodie-Lee,” McCarter said.
“As a charity, the RNLI relies on the generosity of public donations to power its lifesaving work at sea, and the communities we serve truly supported this wonderful campaign in a most generous manner.”
On the night, donations of €1,000 each were also presented to Garda Charlene Callaghan, towards An Garda Síochána’s Little Blue Heroes Foundation; Charlie Cavanagh, officer in charge at Greencastle Coast Guard; Paul Gill, divisional controller of Malin Marine Rescue Sub-Centre; and Don Magee, station officer with Buncrana Fire Service.
Buncrana Fire Service kindly passed on their funds to Lough Swilly RNLI, in acknowledgement of the cooperation and joint services that have been delivered by both Buncrana-based services.
