SOS call goes out to families across the UK

This summer the RNLI crews rescued over 200 people during the devastating inland flooding across the UK. RNLI lifeboats were launched over 3,500 times and the charity's lifeguards helped nearly 8,500 people on beaches between June and August, figures released today reveal.

But despite the organisation's annual running costs being over £122 million - approximately £335,000 per day - it relies entirely on voluntary contributions and legacies for income, and receives no funding from the Government.

The charity is now calling on members of the public to respond to its own 'SOS call' and start preparing for the charity's national day of fundraising, which takes place on Friday 25th January 2008.

Now is the perfect time to get creative and come up with new ways of raising money for this fantastic cause. You could do a hundred cartwheels in a row, bake the world's biggest cake or sit in the traditional bath of baked beans… Whatever you want to do, whether you're eight or eighty, the fun is guaranteed! So get involved and answer this very important SOS call.

Anne Maton, Fundraising Manager at the RNLI says: 'RNLI SOS day is our national fundraising day, it is a fun day with a serious purpose and it is critical to get everyone's support no matter how young or old. At sea, around the coast, on the beach or 50 miles inland, the RNLI provides a vital service for everyone. We rely absolutely on donations and fundraising to provide our 24-hour lifesaving service.'

For more information visit rnli