RNLI volunteers at Douglas are celebrating news that the Olympic torch is to be taken afloat on the all-weather RNLI lifeboat Sir William Hillary. Volunteer crew from the island’s five RNLI lifeboat stations will send representatives to the town to be part of the momentous occasion on 2 June.
The torch is to be taken onto the lifeboat positioned on the slipway, launched and taken around the harbour to the liner berth between King Edward and Queen Victoria Piers. RNLI volunteer crew from Douglas, Peel, Port St Mary, Port Erin and Ramsey will go afloat.
In addition to this exciting event, two RNLI volunteers on the island have also been chosen to carry the torch on selected routes. Juan Howland, 39, RNLI Deputy Second Coxswain at Douglas will carry the torch in Laxey and Simon McFerran, 40, Souvenir Secretary at Douglas will do the honours in Onchan.
Juan, who works for Kleinwort Benson was nominated by Peter Cain, Douglas branch RNLI President.
Juan says:
‘I was absolutely delighted when Peter called me to say that he had nominated me to be a torchbearer and have the opportunity to participate in this once in a lifetime experience.’
‘I joined the Douglas lifeboat crew in 2003 and am privileged to be part of the crew and the wider RNLI. I will be carrying the torch in honour of all those involved with the RNLI and in memory of those who have made the ultimate sacrifice when saving the lives of others.’
Simon McFerran, an RNLI fundraisers in Douglas, has overcome a string of personal difficulties and will be carrying the torch to in honour of those who triumph in the face of adversity. The self-employed newsagent who suffers from Dyslexia and Cerebral Palsy says:
‘Words cannot express how proud I feel even to have been nominated. Carrying the Olympic torch is not just an honour for me but also for the people who have faith in me. Throughout my life I’ve had difficulties which I’ve had to overcome, so perhaps in some small way, carrying the torch will offers some encouragement to others.’
Simon has supported the lifesaving charity by selling RNLI Christmas Cards for more than 10 years. He joined the Douglas RNLI Fundraising Committee in 2008 and became Souvenir Secretary in 2010.
The Olympic Torch arrived in the UK on May 18. It has begun a 70 day journey across the UK and the Republic of Ireland, carried by 8,000 torchbearers, who have all been nominated by their local communities.
The flame will come within a one hour journey for 95 per cent of the population of the UK – with entertainment, shows and concerts marking its arrival at each stop.
Douglas is not the only RNLI lifeboat the torch will have travelled upon. On 18 July, crew members from Dover will take the torch from a tall ship while at sea, before bringing it to shore and handing it on to the next torch bearer.The torch will also be travelling along the Menai Straits on the Beaumaris lifeboat at the end of May.
During the Olympics, RNLI lifeguards will be providing safety cover for the Triathlon and Marathon Swim events. RNLI lifeboat crew are also providing safety cover for the Olympic and Paralympic sailing events in Weymouth and RNLI lifeboats on the Thames will have an enhanced presence for the duration of the Games.
