The RNLI Hoylake Lifeboat Appeal is delighted to be the official charity for the Mersey Tunnel 10km 2009. Thanks to our fantastic supporters in the area, we have already raised £1 million towards a new lifeboat station at Hoylake, but we need a further £1 million by the end of 2009 to supply the volunteer crew with the best and fastest new generation lifeboat available to help them save more lives at sea. Lifeboats at Hoylake have always needed carriages for launching, due to the tide range over the vast, flat beach. Horses were once used to pull lifeboat carriages into the waves. Over the years, tractors have replaced horses, engines have replaced oars. The current Mersey class lifeboat is nearing the end of her operational life. The RNLI is developing a new lifeboat which will be faster than the Mersey class and built to tackle the challenges of 21st century lifesaving. It is important that we provide our crew with the very best facilities and equipment available. If you choose to fundraise for your local lifeboat crew, we can offer you full fundraising support, as well as the knowledge that you’ll be joining Daniel Craig in supporting your local lifeboat and crew!

Go to www.rnli.org.uk for more information on the Hoylake Lifeboat Appeal.

All runners taking part in the Mersey Tunnel 10km will receive RNLI sponsorship forms so please be generous and ask your friends and family to sponsor you.

For more information or extra sponsorship forms please contact Lisa Rutter at lrutter@rnli.org.uk or call 0161 787 8779.

Help Hoylake's crew carry on saving lives by continuing to support our appeal – go to www.rnli.org.uk/events to find more fantastic fundraising events in the area.