Maryport Rescue is expanding its base after scooping £60,000 in the People’s Postcode Lottery.
The lifesaving charity received the cash boost thanks to a nearby postcode winning the £1 million jackpot.
Over the past few years, the rescue team has widened its offering to land based rescue – meaning they’ve been struggling to find space for all their equipment in the current rescue station.
George Farish, chairman at Maryport Rescue, said: ”The funding received from Postcode Neighbourhood Trust, thanks to funds raised by players of People`s Postcode Lottery will help kickstart expansion plans at the base.
“This couldn’t have come at a better time as we’ve simply ran out of space since expanding our support services and acquiring more equipment and crew. We are thrilled to be able to start the ball rolling for our building expansion and this money will contribute to the next chapter of Maryport Rescue.
“The cost of the new building which will house two vehicles and our D-Class lifeboat is £200,000, so the £60,000 from Postcode Neighbourhood Trust, makes a good dent in the required amount.
“Maryport Rescue is for the community, by the community; everyone knows us, and we are rescuing people we potentially know. It’s a way of life and isn’t just a hobby.
“It is hugely motivating to be recognised. Our volunteers range from 18-year-olds to 60-year-olds – some of us have lived our life with Maryport Rescue and even met our partners through it.
“The funding received from Postcode Neighbourhood Trust to help our expansion really means everything to us.”
Based just three miles away from the winning postcode, the team of 35 volunteers relies on funding from third party organisations to maintain their service – with operational costs per year sitting at around £40,000.
Maryport Rescue has been running for 45 years and provides the area with 24/7 land and sea rescue services.
After initially focussing on lifeboat services, the crew trained in flood and swift water rescue just before the Cockermouth flooding in 2009.
