4 days ago
RNLI fundraising branch appeals for volunteers in Cambridge
An RNLI fundraising branch almost 100km (62 miles) from the coast may have to close by Christmas due to a lack of volunteers. Geoffrey Heathcock helps to run a shop for the charity inside a garage on Queen Edith's Way in chairman said, although the area was landlocked, it was important to ensure those who did not live near the coast were aware of its Heathcock, who has volunteered for the life-saving charity for more than 50 years, hoped new volunteers would continue their work.
Mr Heathcock fears there is a lack of awareness about the dangers of the sea among people who live far from the coast."It's critical to recognise you are on the coast and not in the local swimming pool," he said."You are dealing with currents, unknowns under the water, water temperature, waves, and all sorts of things you wouldn't necessarily think about if you're not aware and reminded of on a regular basis."The RNLI charity shop has been run from the garage for the last four years. Mr Heathcock said it had been busy, with people travelling "some distance" to shop there, particularly at Christmas. "The retail side of it is very busy and I've reached the point where, unless we can draw in some new blood, I've got to reluctantly shut down and retire because we can't keep going on our own."
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