Peel lifeboat crew has thanked the Manx community for supporting them throughout the pandemic and raising more than £14,400 for the RNLI.

Branch chairman Stuart Blackley said: ’Throughout this difficult year we have been sustained by the ongoing support of our generous community and volunteers.

’We are grateful to all those who joined us for events, donated prizes, or contributed to street collections and to the hardworking members of the fundraising committee who helped to organise these successful activities. We thank them all.’

The funds raised keep the crew and lifeboat ready to respond to calls for help around the clock.

Donations are used to provide training for lifeboat crew, equipment for crew and lifeboat, as well as fuel.

Fundraising treasurer Helen Dickinson said: ’Our collecting buckets did incredibly well from a reduced number of community events. The Peel Carnival and sand racing, arrival of our new lifeboat in March and a pre-Christmas collection in Shoprite raised nearly £3,000.

’Two coffee mornings collected a fantastic £900 between them and the annual wine and savoury evening at Peel Golf Club was exceptionally well-attended and raised £3,350.

’Other organisations in the community offered their generous support, too.

’Peel’s New Year’s Day dip committee donated £1,500 and the Peel Charity Shop presented us with a cheque for £2,500.

’Other notable donations include £770 from a Manx Radio fundraiser, £670 from St John’s Methodist Chapel, £243 from Peel Gold Club women’s section and £1,500 from the RNLI’s own Jack Lee Bonus Ball Lottery.

’In addition, there were many more private donations.’