In an unexpected turn of events, Selsey RNLI received a staggering donation of £100,000 from the People’s Postcode Lottery, following an extraordinary stroke of luck for the coastal town. The windfall came as a result of a fortunate draw on Saturday, March 23rd, 2024, when the winning postcode belonged to a street in Selsey.

The news of this substantial contribution left Coxswain Rob Archibald, the station’s head, in disbelief when he received a phone call confirming the donation. Initially rendered speechless by the unexpected news, Archibald was assured by the caller that it was indeed legitimate, despite his disbelief.

The People’s Postcode Lottery representative then requested permission to visit the RNLI station to create a short film documenting the impact of their donation. With limited time for preparation and a need for secrecy, only four station personnel were informed of the impending visit.

Before any filming could commence, clearance was obtained from RNLI headquarters, ensuring compliance with organizational protocols. Coincidentally, the station had already scheduled a training exercise for a mechanic pass-out on the same day as the filming, providing an opportune moment for the film crew to capture the station in action.

Despite the challenge of keeping the donation under wraps, the station’s team rose to the occasion, accommodating the film crew’s requests with professionalism and dedication. The resulting short film captured the essence of Selsey RNLI’s vital work and the profound impact of the People’s Postcode Lottery’s generous donation.

This unexpected windfall promises to bolster the RNLI’s efforts in safeguarding the Selsey coastline, ensuring that the station can continue its life-saving missions with enhanced resources and capabilities. The collaboration between Selsey RNLI and the People’s Postcode Lottery stands as a testament to the power of community support in safeguarding coastal communities and saving lives at sea.

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