Islanders raise £1,729 for RNLI St Helier Lifeboat

Nigel and Karen Large and their dog Ben got a tour of the lifeboat with the St Helier lifeboat coxswain

Long distance swimmers and the owners of a rescued dog have raised £1,729.50 for the RNLI St Helier Lifeboat.

The dog, Ben, was rescued by the lifeboat five years ago and at the time his owners Nigel and Karen Large, vowed to raise money for the charity.

So Ben's owners had a party for his 19th birthday at a local pub and raised £615.

Nigel Large said: "We were overwhelmed with people's generosity."

The four long distance swimmers met the Lifeboat staff during their tour of the George Sullivan

Meanwhile, last month four young Jersey Long Distance Swimming Club members swam across Coniston Lake in the UK, and raised more than £1,000.

They were awarded for their efforts with a tour around the George Sullivan - the St Helier all-weather Tamar Class Lifeboat.

One of the swimmers said: "It was amazing seeing the lifeboat and it's good to know where the money is going."

A spokesman from St Helier lifeboat said: "We are impressed that these young people are committed to raising funds for the lifeboat and are prepared to complete difficult challenges to do so.

"Well done everyone and thank you."