The Olympic sailor donned yellow wellies in a photoshoot aiming to promote the fundraising campaign running from 1-4 May
Four-time Olympic gold medallist Sir Ben Ainslie has donned a pair of yellow wellies in a photoshoot in support of the RNLI’s national fundraising campaign.
Mayday will be running between the 1st and 4th of May and aims to raise awareness of the lifesaving work the charity does every day as well as gather vital funding needed to continue their efforts.
Amidst all the excitement of the America’s Cup, Ainslie took some time out to support the RNLI, saying: “I love being on the water but I know how quickly the sea can catch you out.
“I’m full of admiration for the RNLI’s volunteer lifeboat crews, who provide such an important service around our coastline, putting their own lives at risk to save others – regardless of weather conditions, or time of day or night.
Ben Ainslie wearing his yellow wellies in support of the RNLI
“I’m wearing yellow wellies in support of the RNLI’s Mayday campaign, and to say thank you, on behalf of all sea users, to those volunteers for being there if ever we need them.
“The RNLI is a charity which, as an island nation, we should be very grateful for.”
Ainslie has been a long-time supporter of the RNLI and has experienced its life-saving work first-hand after being rescued while sailing with Iain Percy.
A host of other high profile names have also backed the fundraising campaign, including Olympic rower Sir Steve Redgrave, business tycoon Sir Richard Branson and presenter Dermot O’Leary, all of who have had their photos taken in yellow wellies.
All of the money raised through the Mayday campaign will help the RNLI’s volunteers to continue saving lives at sea.
Funds could go towards training and kitting out the charity’s 4,600 crew members and maintaining the charity’s 237 lifeboat stations.
Fundraising kicks off with street collections in London 28 April and following that, collections and fundraising events will be taking place across the UK and Ireland throughout the bank holiday weekend.
The public are being encouraged to show their support by making a donation, buying and wearing a yellow welly pin badge and by taking to social media using the hashtag #YellowWelly.
You can visit the RNLI’s website for details on how to donate and ideas on how to get involved.