Rescue couple show gratitude to Exmouth RNLI

Since their rescue in June, Richard Ridout and Sarah Galliford decided to organise a fundraising event in their village of Ebford, for the charity that saves lives at sea. A total of £1,556.24 was raised with the generosity of local businesses.

The couple threw a fundraising event at their home which included an auction, cocktails and canapés, on Sunday 12 August. The cocktails and canapés alone raised £400. 

The couple approached local businesses for gifts which their guests could bid for. Some friends offered services in the way of Pilates lessons and gardening. Richard and Sarah themselves, offered a champagne cruise on the river Exe for four people on their yacht, Whimsical on which they were rescued by the charity on 5 June.  

The auction was hosted by local Quiz Master, Nick McGuire and over 65 guests attended the event. Speaking of the event, Sarah commented:

'We would like to thank the generosity of our guests, I think they all enjoyed themselves.' 

Richard and Sarah would like to thank the following businesses who donated gifts and services to their auction: "Jack in the Green" restaurant, Rockbeare; Ash Marine, Topsham; Topsham wines; Richard's Greengrocers, Topsham; Ruffle's Hairdressers, Topsham; Paul Craven Marine, Exmouth; Edge Watersports, Exmouth; Topsham to Turf Ferry; Darts Farm, Topsham and Trout's Boatyard, Topsham.  

The couple were invited to the launch of RNLI legacy week on 10 September at Exmouth lifeboat station. They both agreed to feature in photos and on video to speak about their experience with the RNLI. The cheque presentation followed a 'thank you' cream tea supplied by Chair of the Fundraising Guild, Don Hodgkinson.