The RNLI is a charity that relies on the generosity of the public.

During the pandemic it was not possible to fundraise in the normal way. However, the opportunity for face-to-face fundraising has returned and we have been very busy trying to make up for lost time!

Here are just some of our highlights in recent weeks and also a look ahead to some exciting fundraising activities for the RNLI in our local area. Do join in and support us when you can!

Our first activities were around London Lifeboat Day at the end of April.

Our volunteers hit the streets with buckets and our new contactless machines in Teddington and Richmond and raised a fantastic £529.67.

Following on from this success, we were outside Richmond Station earlier for May Day over the bank holiday weekend earlier this month.

Amy Francis / Credit: RNLI

Some of the Teddington RNLI Station crew and fundraising branch members completed our May Day Miles, each doing a litter pick along a mile stretch of the Thames Path.

Knowing the impact of the rubbish on our river and surrounding areas, we'll be doing our bit to help clean up whilst raising much needed funds for our lifesaving efforts.

The RNLI has answered mayday calls for nearly 200 years, to assist those called from sinking boats to dog walkers caught out by the tide.

Mayday is the most urgent plea, used by mariners when life is in immediate danger.

They're counting on us to answer their call and take on the Mayday Mile.

The RNLI litter pickers on their Mayday Mile / Credit: Gianna Saccomani

Our support will help the crew stand strong as our busiest summer season approaches.

You can still sponsor the team at: https://www.justgiving.com/team/TeddingtonRNLILitterPick

Monday 24th May saw our first ever Comedy at The Anglers, Teddington.

The Anglers' riverside garden provided the perfect venue for a night of 'silent' laughter, pioneering the use of headsets for the audience!

Adam Bloom headlined alongside Paul F Taylor and MC Viv Groskop kept the tent entertained from start to finish.

This was the first of two events The Anglers are running in aid of RNLI Teddington, Twickenham and District with all ticket money going to the branch - check out the What's On page of their website for details of the next event on 14th June which welcomes Hal Cruttenden and Marcel Lucont to the stage!

Tickets are £20 per head purchased as Tables of 4 or 6, or £25 for a VIP Booth for 6 including a bottle of prosecco.

The support of the local community has been overwhelming.

Alongside the street collections, litter pick and comedy nights, we appealed to local businesses to donate prizes for our first ever Silent Auctions and wow did they answer the call.

The first auction was drawn yesterday.