My name is Sue Scott and I am a Volunteer Tour Guide at the Exmouth Lifeboat Station, and ever since I was a young girl I have always been fascinated by the sea and the air. By living close to, or by the sea I became a fairly strong swimmer at a young age, and I have been fortunate enough to realise some of those childhood dreams by sailing 30 to 40 foot yachts in the English Channel, the Mediterranean and the Caribbean. During those years I managed to qualify as a Day Skipper. With this experience I fully understand the need and importance of our Lifeboat Volunteers.

The volunteer lifeboat crew provide a 24-hour search and rescue service 365 days a year, but none of this would be possible without the support of the public and their donations. It costs in the region of £250k a year to run and maintain the service in Exmouth, all of which comes from the generous donations of the public

The Boat crews are the heroes, risking their lives in rescuing all sorts of people from all sorts of situations, but don't forget the Shore crew, Shop and Tour Guides. They give themselves freely to maintain this wonderful service and raise funds for the boats, equipment and the boat crews' outfits. Remember no funds come from any other source except the public's donations.

I wanted to do something memorable to raise money in commemoration of the 200 years anniversary of the Royal National Lifeboat Institute. I decided that, as I like being in the air enjoying paragliding, flying in microlights etc, I would take on the challenge of a Skydive, in tandem of course. I just cannot believe that at the age of 74 I am really pushing the envelope more than ever and will be well out of my comfort zone.

However, in spite of my nervousness and fear I have booked it at Dunkeswell Airfield, Honiton for the 19th May at 12.00.

I am looking, with your help of course, to raise at least enough money equivalent to the cost of one outfit that our crew wear.

This consists of a merino wool base layer (long johns) and top, salopettes, gilet, mid jacket, outerjacket and steel toecapped wellies. The combined total cost is £1600 plus the life jacket at £590. making a total of £2190.

Volunteer crew members courageously face the toughest conditions to save people they have never met. In the distant past I have seen colleagues of mine benefit from their bravery. One day it could be you, or a friend, or family member requiring their help. Your donation can help make sure crew are trained, equipped and ready to help, whilst coming home safely themselves.

Thank you for reading this, and please donate whatever you can.

Sue Scott