RNLI Weston-super-Mare
1154. Peter Elmont
Peter Elmont, from Weston-super-Mare, is the chair of fundraising for Weston-super-Mare’s branch of the RNLI, raising over £750,000 to deliver an essential new headquarters for one of the UK’s busiest lifeboat stations.
Under Peter’s leadership, the team exceeded its set target, surpassing £500,000 in three years, through a range of innovative initiatives, including a lifeboat pull, a RNLI raft race, and pop-up shops and stalls. Passionate about social action, Peter has also coordinated the local ‘Teddy Bear Scheme’, which gifts teddy bears to ill children in hospitals, and has taken part in Weston’s Carnival, raising funds for charity.
In a personal letter to Peter, Prime Minister Theresa May said:
“Your tireless work as chair of fundraising at Weston-super-Mare’s RNLI branch has raised vital funds to pay for the new headquarters. You should be very proud of what you have achieved and the impact this will have, helping to keep people safe in some of the UK’s busiest waters.”
John Penrose, MP for Weston-super-Mare, said:
“Pretty much everybody in Weston knows, likes and respects Peter. I’m not sure whether it’s his infectious enthusiasm, ability to get people organised or just plain energy, but he’s a hard man to say ‘no’ to whether he’s asking for help pulling a lifeboat along Weston seafront or shaking a collecting tin under your nose. I can’t think of anyone more deserving of this award – well done Peter!”
Peter said:
“It is a great honour to be recognised by this award from the Prime Minister. However I have been blessed with a superb group of fundraisers and crew without whom we could not have achieved such a great total.”