Local MP Mark Francois had some reinforcements whilst out collecting for the RNLI recently, when he was joined by the RNLI's official mascot, Stormy Sam, as well as other volunteers.
The Rayleigh and Wickford MP, who is a member of the Rayleigh Branch of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (the RNLI), was supporting other members of the branch during a recent Saturday lunchtime collection at Sainsbury’s, at the Rayleigh Weir. During the course of the day Stormy Sam and his supporters raised over £700 for the RNLI, which contributes towards the upkeep of the local lifeboat centre and helps protect people who run into trouble at sea.
Commenting on his work alongside the charity, Mark Francois said:
"Stormy Sam was a great hit with the kids in Sainsbury’s who had accompanied their parents doing their weekend shop and his presence certainly helped to boost the local lifeboat appeal. I would like to thanks Sainsbury’s very much for allowing the RNLI to collect at their store and for making Stormy and all the other volunteers so welcome. I have been a member of the RNLI for many years and so I am happy to help support their fundraising activities. Our lifeboat crews work hard all year round to help protect people at sea and I am pleased to show my support for them."