The busiest lifeboat station in London is auctioning a signed jacket belonging to Formula 1 driver Lewis Hamilton to help raise money for a new facility.
Tower RNLI by Waterloo Bridge is also selling off a Wimbledon tennis ball signed by tennis star Novak Djokovic, a private hot air balloon flight for two at Longleat House in Wiltshire and a one-night stay for two at the Shangri-La Shard hotel in London, as well as tickets to Cheltenham and golf days, at the auction on Thursday, October 28.
As we have previously reported, the station, which has launched boats more than 8,350 times since opening in 2002, rescuing more than 2,000 people and saving 334 lives, needs to raise millions of pounds for a new facility.
The current building is based on a Victorian pier that is more than 150 years old. The facility is old and cramped and floats on the river, rising and falling with each tide. This makes it unsuitable for the team to do their job, the RNLI said.
The station does not have the facilities that the crew need to give the best possible care to the people it rescues – so when the crew need to give someone CPR, there is no privacy from the general public. The new station will include modern facilities such as private, purpose-built spaces for taking care of people who have been rescued, a drying room for kit and a new area for public engagement.
“I’m massively excited about a new station. It will make such a difference to our service on the Thames,” said Tower RNLI station manager and helm Kevin Maynard. “By taking part in this auction you’ll be a part of the crew, helping to save lives in the heart of London for decades to come”.
The auction is taking place on board HQS Wellington, a sloop which served in the Second World War. The warship is moored by Temple Pier on Victoria Embankment.
Tickets for the event, which includes a three-course dinner with drinks, can be booked here.
The new station is set to cost £8.2m, according to the RNLI. The auction comes alongside a public fundraiser, which hopes to raise £33,000. Click here to donate to the fundraiser.
The rest of the funds will come from private donations and support from other corporate partners, a spokesperson for RNLI said. Any remaining costs will be met by the RNLI’s general funds.
Work has already begun on the new station and is currently expected to finish by October or November 2022.