It may seem like a lot of text below but please, just take 3 minutes to learn about the tremendous work of The Fishermen’s Mission.

On 03.03.13, we will be running 13.1 miles (some of us in sou’westers!) for an incredibly worthy charity whose tireless work goes unnoticed by many who live away from coastal areas. The Fishermen’s Mission provides emergency support and practical and emotional care to fishermen and their families.

Each of us has grown up in a fishing community. With friends and family, past and present, who have an association with in shore and deep sea fishing, we understand how demanding and perilous the industry is for both fishermen and their families.

The Fishermen’s Mission really is priceless to our communities. Mission port staff and volunteers are there...

... when fishermen are injured or taken seriously ill at sea.

... when crew are shipwrecked.

... when lives are at risk.

... when the elderly are frail, alone and vulnerable.

... and when families are unable to cope.

 

In 2011 their port staff and volunteers:

•  Assisted practically and/or financially 57 children, most of whose fathers had been lost at sea.

•  Conducted 249 funerals for families linked to the fishing industry.

•  Found emergency accommodation for 126 shipwrecked or injured fishermen.

•  Visited approximately 6,466 elderly, sick, injured, bereaved and lonely members of the fishing community in hospital and at home.

•  Visited countless crews on their boats and provided shower, laundry and internet facilities and a home-from-home in their Centres.

•  Provided 88 fishermen with emergency financial assistance.

•  Obtained grants for 1,748 working and retired fishermen and their dependants. In one port alone the Port Welfare Officer distributed grants totalling £100,937.

The Fishermen's Mission depends upon legacy giving and voluntary donations to provide emergency and welfare support to fishermen and their families. They are indebted to the many thousands of individual donors, companies, trusts, foundations, volunteers, churches, groups and associations that make the Mission’s work possible.

The Mission makes a difference to the lives of fishermen and their families. The Mission is fighting poverty and despair in our fishing communities.

Please donate a few pounds or pennies to this invaluable cause.

Thank you.

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving – they’ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to the charity and make sure Gift Aid is reclaimed on every eligible donation by a UK taxpayer. So it’s the most efficient way to donate - we aise more, whilst saving time and cutting costs for the charity.