Gabrielle Palmer
Newlyn to Lerwick: I'm pledging miles to support the Fishermen's Mission!
Fundraising for The Fishermen's Mission
Story
My Grandpa (Tom Dentith) is 85 years old, he has worked for the Fishermen’s Mission for over 50 years. He worked full time for 21years as a Regional Organiser and Area Controller. He then became a volunteer where he continued dedicating himself to the charity which lies close to his heart. This year my Grandpa is helping the Fishermen’s Mission on their virtual journey! Beginning the trail in Newlyn, Cornwall, and heading for a grand 900 miles to Lerwick, Shetland. My Grandpa is pledging miles to help the Fishermen's Mission reach their target of 900 miles by cycling on his exercise bike. The current Coronavirus has had a significant impact on many professions, including the fishing industry. Fishing is already one of the most dangerous and precarious professions, with many pre-existing challenges that are only exacerbated by this health crisis. The Fishermen’s Mission provides a lifeline for struggling fishermen and is the only national charity that works solely to help fishermen and their families. A contribution of as little as £1 could help chip into a weekly shop for a struggling family. At a time when we are unable to host physical fundraising events, it is digital fundraisers such as this that will help us help our fisherfolk through struggles, bereavement and ensure their physical and mental well-being. So please support my fundraising page, and the work that the Fishermen's Mission does!
More than 13,000 people work in fishing, the UK’s toughest and most dangerous peacetime occupation. At sea, they face death and injury with an average of 15 fishermen killed or seriously injured every year. On land, many struggle with insecurity and debt. And for the 50,000 retired fishermen and their families, the fishing may have ended but the hardship continues as they face debt, scant savings, loneliness and isolation.Below is a list of a few things the Fishermen’s Mission does:
- Provides emergency response 24/7, 365 days a year.
- Look after survivors of fishing emergencies
- Help injured or ill fishermen
- Provide emergency assistance of families of fishermen who have been killed or lost at sea.
- Meeting rescue teams and helping with accommodation, food, clothing and contacting families.
Here are just some ways the Fishermen’s Mission supported the UK Fishermen’s communities last year:
- Helped 152 children of Fishermen
- Visited 4,861 fishing boats
- Conducted 8,054 welfare visits
- Helped 221 fishermen after emergencies at seas
- Traveled 98,795 miles delivering their services
- Helped fishermen access grants totalling £1.1 million.
Please donate and support the incredible work this charity does.
