Shopper tells of rescue as RNLI collects at Tesco

Nick Dighton got into difficulty while he was kite surfing off Hunstanton's beach

Whilst volunteers were out collecting for Hunstanton RNLI, Nick Dighton donated some money - and then told the team his personal story of how they'd helped him.

The 68 year old said, "I had a mishap out at sea a couple of years ago with my foil. I tried to signal for help, then decided no-one would see me so I swam for it and eventually made it to somewhere near the pier.

"I could just touch bottom but I was struggling, I was neck deep in water.  Then I heard a voice behind me say: 'Are you alright mate..? I turned around and it was the lifeboat, so someone must have seen me and called them out after all.

"They said would you like a lift, then they took me back to South Beach where the coastguards were waiting to check I was OK."

 

Volunteers were joined by Stormy Stan, handing out flags in the foyer of the store and greeting shoppers.  

The RNLI says these collections play a vital role in supporting their work, which is entirely funded by the kindness of its supporters.

Hunstanton and West Norfolk RNLI Guild chair Derek Greening adds, "We'd like to thank the staff at Tesco for allowing us to collect again.

"We're fortunate to enjoy fantastic support from businesses large and small in and around our community and their customers, which all helps to fund the lifesaving work we do.

"Our crew couldn't save lives without their generosity. Tesco does say 'every little helps', but today's been another big help for us, which we're so grateful to the store and all its customers and staff for."

Proceeds from the day are still being counted.

All images RNLI/Chris Bishop