Fresh rubber for RNLI Flood Rescue Team

The RNLI’s Flood Rescue Team (FRT) is a uniquely trained arm of the RNLI, able to operate worldwide to assist in rescues in flood hit areas. Volunteers at the RNLI’s 230+ lifeboat stations in the UK and Republic of Ireland were asked if they wished to volunteer for the RNLI’s Flood Rescue Team (formerly known as the RNLI’s Rapid Response Unit), which the RNLI set up following its involvement with flood relief in Mozambique in March 2000. Those selected were trained in survival techniques and other specialist skills.

Having raised money for the charity in the past through tyre sales, Goodyear is taking the relationship a step further by supporting this vital service.

Goodyear’s Michelle Fisher said, ‘Through our previous fundraising for the RNLI we learned about the inland work carried out by the Flood Response Team, and the amazing help that they have given so many people in areas that you wouldn’t necessarily think could be affected by such dangers.

‘There is great synergy between our organisations due to our own commitment to safety, our wet weather specialist tyres are designed to save people’s lives in wet conditions. RNLI volunteer crew members save people at sea around the coasts of UK and Republic of Ireland every day.’

Becky Higgin, RNLI corporate fundraising officer added, ‘The RNLI relies on donations from the public and from organisations such as Goodyear, rather than on Government funding. I am therefore thrilled that Goodyear wishes to enhance their relationship with us.

‘RNLI volunteer crews know that such help allows the charity to provide the essential training, equipment and lifeboats to allow crew members to continue saving lives at sea, and of course in this case that includes the volunteers within the RNLI’s Flood Response Team.’

Michelle Fisher concluded, ‘We are very keen that our sponsorship of the RNLI Flood Rescue Team be just the beginning, and hope that people involved with Goodyear at all levels will really get behind the RNLI and make this a massive success.’

The RNLI has assisted with flood relief work dating back to East Pakistan in 1970 and was most recently deployed for flooding which affected Yorkshire, Lincolnshire, Hereford, Worcester and Gloucester in the UK in 2007.