It’s not every day that you see a boat in Hereford’s Cathedral Close. Pupils from Hereford Cathedral School experienced a ‘show and tell’ with a difference yesterday morning when West Mercia Search and Rescue (WMSAR) dropped into chapel to show off the charity’s new rescue boat.
Pupils raised more than £1,100 to buy the new equipment for WMSAR. The school nominated WMSAR as one of a number of charities set to benefit from year-round fund-raising undertaken by pupils.
Cake sales, non-uniform days and sponsored swims have all contributed to the fund and, said English teacher Mrs Mynors: "It could not go to a more worthy cause."
She said: “Living and working alongside the River Wye allows us to see not only what a beautiful and tranquil place Herefordshire can be, but also to experience the power of the river during flood. It is great to be able to offer this donation of life-saving equipment that will undoubtedly be of benefit for the whole community.”
The new boat will replace a boat which had been damaged. It has already been in action twice in the last month.
Andy MacAuley of WMSAR thanked pupils during the address in chapel, describing the pupils’ fund raising efforts as impressive.
He added: “This boat makes a fundamental difference to our ability to serve the police and the local community in our area.”
Pictured left to right are: Andy MacAuley with pupils Sophie C and Ellie G, English teacher Mrs Mynors and James Whitehurst from WMSAR admiring the new search and rescue boat.