Porthcawl RNLI Lifeboat crew members, together with their Coastguard colleagues and their families, got together last Saturday for a three mile sponsored cycle ride around the resort.
The object of the event was to raise money towards a memorial bench in the town for Mike Evans, the longest serving lifeboat volunteers in the town. Also supporting the event were Mike’s family and members of Porthcawl Harbour Boating Club.
Mike died suddenly following a short illness earlier this year having served the RNLI for forty years. Shortly after losing Mike, fellow personnel at the station came up with the idea of a memorial bench as a tribute to all the hours Mike had donated to the RNLI and his love of the sea.
Amongst the cyclists were Myra Evans and some of their grandchildren. The youngest rider was Rudder, son of crew member Rick Rava. Altogether approximately fifty cyclists took part including Cheryl Purchase and Jackie Cole who rode a tandem around the three mile course.
Crew member Dan Jones, who organised the event said:
‘It was a great afternoon and the weather was perfect. Many people seemed to enjoy the ride and supported the cause whole heartedly. It is hoped that when all the sponsorship money is collected that we will be able to fulfil our aim and get a permanent memorial to Mike.’
