Published On Wednesday, January 06, 2010 By
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Boycie launches a new lifeboat appeal
The birthday surprise of a lifetime for TV star John Challis, Boycie from the hit series Only Fools and Horses, turned into a huge boost for the £1.8 million appeal for our new Tamar-class lifeboat.
The Lizard lifeboat web-site has many photos and video of the event so take a look on http://www.thelizardlifeboat.org.uk/ If anyone wants to make a donation they would be glad of the support. a donate button can be found throughout the site
According to the Lizard Web site
Boycie, overwhelmed at his VIP welcome by volunteers at our remote lifeboat station, immediately agreed to become ambassador for the charity’s appeal just as it was being officially launched. The money raised will go towards the £2.7 million cost of a Tamar class all-weather lifeboat.
The visit on Sunday 16 August was timed to coincide with John Challis’s 67th birthday and was arranged by his wife, Carol as a surprise. She knew it had been John’s lifelong ambition to visit The Lizard lifeboat in particular, and to support the work of the volunteers. She agreed on his behalf that he would become an ambassador for the new appeal but he knew nothing of the tie-up until he was greeted by RNLI Coxswain Phil Burgess when he arrived at Kilcobben Cove.
Once in the lifeboat station, which will be replaced in a huge build programme starting next spring, Phil asked him if he would be willing to support the appeal. When he agreed, he was surprised with a special announcement from the Coxswain who said:
‘ I believe I’m right in thinking it’s been a lifelong ambition to go on exercise with The Lizard crew. Well never mind Jim’ll Fix It, how about ‘Phil’ll Fix It?’
To a spontaneous round of applause from the volunteer crew and shorehelpers, the famous Boycie then stepped aboard the station’s relief Tyne class all-weather lifeboat The Lady Rank and put to sea to see the work of the charity at first hand.
On his return, Boycie was presented with a huge chocolate and strawberry birthday cake made by RNLI fundraiser Jill Cuff. Still dressed in his RNLI oilskins and lifejacket, he then spoke of his delight at supporting the new appeal:
‘I have literally been blown away today. It has always been my ambition to launch down the slipway on exercise and today my 67th birthday this has become a reality. Coincidentally the fundraising appeal for the new lifeboat begins today. It will be a Tamar class all-weather lifeboat and we need £1.8 million.’ Then in the character of Boycie he added: ‘Worth every penny.’
‘I’m honoured and thrilled to be part of this appeal. I hope today will be the start of a very happy relationship between the RNLI and me. I look forward to being closely involved with The Lizard lifeboat station in particular and I’m am glad my wife volunteered my services!’
He then lapsed back into character to surprise Phil Burgess:
‘And now for a little surprise for one of these wonderful crewmembers Philip I’m told you have been committed (much laughter at this point) seriously, you have been working tirelessly for this lifeboat station over the last 37 years, as crew and then for twenty of those years as Coxswain. We now have a presentation for you.’
At this point the gathering was joined by Tom Mansell, RNLI Training Divisional Inspector for the south west, who produced a special certificate marking Phil’s 20 years as Coxswain. Presenting it,
John Challis added:
‘You’ve made hundreds of memorable shouts in all weathers to save lives at sea. You lead a large team of similarly committed volunteer crew and helpers and our thanks should go to them as well. I’m proud to present you with this certificate and to say thank you from all of us.’
Mike Lord, RNLI Chairman at The Lizard, says:
‘This appeal for our new boat is a huge task for a small community like ours and support from Boycie gives us a wonderful boost right at the start. We will need every penny to raise the £1.8 million we need to give our crew a faster and ever safer lifeboat and I do hope people will be generous. You can donate on line via our station website. It would be wonderful if people could even organise fundraising activities themselves every contribution will be vital.’