Bolton: RNLI 200th anniversary fundraiser is a hit

Resident Sheila Taziker organised the event after wanting to do something special for the volunteers at the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI).

There was a raffle, entertainment and stalls set up at the Hollywood Road Sports and Social Club.

Sheila said: “I am gobsmacked.

“I didn’t expect the event to be so busy.

“It’s like it’s not really happening.

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“This is what we have been working for since before Christmas, in October.

“And I just thought we had to do something with it being 200 years, and every day they are putting their lives on the line.”

Tom Ridyard, MBE, aged 81, has been involved with the RNLI for more than 40 years, and he says without the community’s efforts it would not be possible for them to do the work they do.

Tom is also the chairman for the Bolton district RNLI branch and came to the event to show his support.

He said: “Without people like this, we would be without a paddle because we rely on these people raising money for us.

“During Covid we had a hard time, but now we are able to do a lot more.”

Tom Ridyard MBE (Image: Newsquest)He found his passion and connection to the sea from a young age when he used to go to Blackpool and visit the lifeboat tower and then got a toy lifeboat to play with on the beach.

Other stalls at the fundraiser included a toy stall, confectionary stall, cake stall, a treasure hunt, hook a duck game, and an entertainer from Non- Stop Kids Entertainment.

Owner of Stylish Stoma Wear, Di Goodgroves had her own stall set up with Susan Reddington to help Sheila out, where they sold stoma covers and stoma bags.

From left to right: Susan Reddington and Di Goodgroves (Image: Newsquest)Di had her stoma fitted in November 2021, which was a “life-changing experience”, which led her to create the company in 2023, with the designs being created by Carol Ashcroft.

Di said: “The stoma covers build your confidence, and it’s not talked about enough.

“The more people aware of it the better.

“We came as a favour for a friend to support the charity.

“It’s been around for years, and it really needs that extra support.”

The event raised £300 for the RNLI in Bolton, who often host coffee mornings and run street collections across the borough.

Others who were instrumental in the event include the social club that hosted it, which is run by volunteers, bakers, and the community.

The charity was the first in the world to hold street collection days.

Since the RNLI was formed in 1824, volunteers have formed crews and funded the kit and lifeboats to save lives at sea.

The RNLI is the largest charity that saves lives at sea around the coasts of the UK.

If you have a story and something you would like to highlight in the community, please email me at jasmine.jackson@newsquest.co.uk or DM me on Twitter @JournoJasmine.