Landlocked RNLI branch run from garage could close

Geoffrey Heathcock urged people to come forward and volunteer to save the branch from closing

An RNLI fundraising branch almost 100km (62 miles) from the coast may have to close by Christmas due to a lack of volunteers.

Geoffrey Heathcock helps to run a shop for the charity inside a garage on Queen Edith's Way in Cambridge.

The chairman said, although the area was landlocked, it was important to ensure those who did not live near the coast were aware of its dangers.

Mr Heathcock, who has volunteered for the life-saving charity for more than 50 years, hoped new volunteers would continue their work.

Mr Heathcock said attracting more volunteers would be the "best news ever" and would help the branch extend its reach

Mr Heathcock fears there is a lack of awareness about the dangers of the sea among people who live far from the coast.

"It's critical to recognise you are on the coast and not in the local swimming pool," he said.

"You are dealing with currents, unknowns under the water, water temperature, waves, and all sorts of things you wouldn't necessarily think about if you're not aware and reminded of on a regular basis."

The RNLI charity shop has been run from the garage for the last four years.

Mr Heathcock said it had been busy, with people travelling "some distance" to shop there, particularly at Christmas.

"The retail side of it is very busy and I've reached the point where, unless we can draw in some new blood, I've got to reluctantly shut down and retire because we can't keep going on our own."

The Royal National Lifeboat Institution relies on donations and aims to save lives at sea