Strumming Out Songs on an RNLI lifeboat today, Devon based folk artist Seth Lakeman helped launch an SOS on behalf of the charity, urging people to get involved in the lifesaving charity’s biggest fundraising campaign, SOS DAY FRIDAY 30 JANUARY 2009.
The West Country singer-songwriter, who is credited with taking folk to a new audience with his rhythmic and emotive performances, will also launch his new single Solomon Browne on Monday 13 October, with proceeds donated to the RNLI’s SOS Day. The song, taken from his top 10 album Poor Man’s Heaven, commemorates the 1981 Penlee lifeboat disaster in which 16 people lost their lives. Lakeman’s dramatic and powerful take on that night’s fateful events, is written in honour of the lost lifeboat crew, to keep their story alive.
‘When I was working on my album in December 2006 it was the 25th anniversary of the Penlee lifeboat disaster, which inspired Solomon Browne. I was only young at the time of the disaster, but my father (journalist, Geoff) covered the story. The song is about the bravery and courage of those eight volunteer lifeboatmen who went to sea and lost their lives. I hope we are able to raise some funds for this fantastic charity.’
SOS Day aims to raise £1 million for the RNLI (Royal National Lifeboat Institution), which provides nine out of 10 UK sea rescue launches, and relies on voluntary contributions for its income. Last year alone the RNLI rescued almost 8,000 people, an average of 21 people every day.
The national theme for this year’s SOS campaign is Sound or Silence but really it’s about finding an event to suit you whether it’s
Sing Our Shanties, Scoff Our Scones or Sizzle Our Sausages, it’s hoped hundreds of RNLI supporters throughout the UK will be holding SOS themed events culminating on SOS Day on Friday 30 January 2009. More information on how to show your support is available at
www.rnli.org.uk.
For the launch of SOS Day Seth was joined by Sarah Webb and Weymouth’s Sarah Ayton from the Yngling sailing team, fresh from securing gold for Great Britain in the Olympics.
Robin Martin, RNLI Regional Fundraising Manager for the south west is delighted that SOS Day is being supported by some of the regions most well known faces:
‘As a charity we’re heavily reliant on the goodwill and generosity of donors, so SOS Day is a great way for our supporters to get involved and hopefully have some fun along the way. We’re delighted to have the Yngling team on board to lend their support, as well as having one of the UK’s most talented singer/songwriters Seth Lakeman donating the profits from his new single to support the work we do.’
Notes to editors
- A photograph of Seth Lakeman with RNLI crew volunteers Kelly Allen (31) Helm for 15 years at Portrush RNLI lifeboat station in Northern Ireland and Jennie Court (31) full time Helm at Tower lifeboat on the Thames, is attached.
- Footage is also available of Seth Lakeman performing onboard an RNLI Tamar class all weather lifeboat on the Thames, along with a short interview with Seth.
RNLI media contacts
For more information please contact any of the following: Tamsin Thomas, RNLI Media Relations Manager for the south, on 07786 668847, Amy Caldwell, RNLI Lifeguard Press Officer on 07920 818807, or Redzi Mangwana or Rhian Lewis @ 3 Monkeys Communications on 0207 440 2410
Key facts about the RNLIThe RNLI charity saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland coasts. The RNLI operates over 230 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and has more than 100 lifeguard units on beaches around the UK. The RNLI is independent of Coastguard and government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824 its lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved over 137,000 lives. The RNLI is a charity registered in England, Scotland and the Republic of Ireland.
