Certas Energy has helped secure the future of the Nith Inshore Rescue lifeboat service with a supply of £2,500 worth of free fuel.
The 40-year-old independent lifeboat service based in south west Scotland feared for its future after a filling station withdrew a previous free fuel agreement in March. As an independent service, the Nith Inshore Rescue relies entirely on community fundraising, volunteers and donations to cover its approximately 35 call outs a year. However, upon hearing of the plight of the service, Certas Energy pledged to provide diesel and super unleaded to Nith Inshore Rescue via fuel cards.
Lindsay Martin, Certas Energy Regional Director, says: “Supporting vital community projects is part of our remit as the UK’s largest independent fuel distributor. When we heard about the fundraiser happening for Nith Inshore Rescue, it was natural for us to assist in this way. With the charity now having access to our fuel cards, it also means they can access fuel at optimum rates across the next 12 months. The search and rescue work the service provides is vital for this community and we are proud to be able to ensure its continuity for years to come.”
Stealth Competitions, an online platform that runs raffles and prize draws, has also provided £2,500 worth of fuel to support Nith Inshore Rescue.
Based in Glencaple, near Dumfries, the lifeboat covers the River Nith, upper northeast Solway and surrounding inland waters in southwest Scotland. It was founded in 1981 after a local tragedy on the river and operates out of the Glencaple Lifeboat Station, which was purpose-built in 1999. It is one of only a small number of independent lifeboats in the UK, with official Declared Facility Status from HM Coastguard.
Nith Inshore Rescue chairman, Peter Bryden, says: “We were looking at an uncertain future if we didn’t have the fuel to launch our lifeboat as and when we need to. We had set up a fundraiser to rally the local community, but we all know that times are tough and there are only so many times you can rely on people’s generosity. We are incredibly grateful to Certas Energy. This donation has secured our future and will help save lives.”
