AN appeal to help raise £50,000 for a new Wirral lifeboat has had a boost following a recent fun run.

The West Kirby Santa Dash raised over £1,000, with all profits raised going to The West Kirby Lifeboat Appeal.

Participants took part on a freezing December morning and ran either a 2K, 5K or 10K route along the Wirral Way.

The cold certainly did not dampen spirits and its organisers were "delighted that we raised £1,117.91 for the West Kirby Lifeboat Appeal".

The crew at West Kirby Lifeboat has been busy raising £50,000 in order to buy a new D Class vessel to replace their long serving lifeboat, which has been in service for more than 20 years. 

Mike Chalton, owner of Home Instead Wirral, the care providing company which sponsors the event, said: "The West Kirby Santa Dash is always a popular event that grows year on year and Home Instead love to join in and support this amazing local event.

"When looking for a charity to support this year, it seemed obvious that when a local charity is trying to raise such a large amount of funds that we help them out.

"The work that the West Kirby Lifeboat carries out is vital to our local area and we are happy to support them.”

Richard Diamond, Lifeboat Operations Manager said “What an impressive event, spectacle and fundraising efforts by the organisers and Home Instead.

"The Santa Dash has become a great West Kirby tradition, made possible by those who participate and brave the weather – thank You.

"It’s the funds that you raise from events like this and the continued support of our community that makes such a positive impact on the RNLI Team and enables West Kirby Lifeboat to continue to save lives at sea.

"Thank you all for your efforts and generosity, its genuinely recognised and hugely appreciated.”

The fun run's organiser, Fiona Hanik, said: "It was a pleasure to raise money this year for West Kirby Lifeboat. As members of the West Kirby community, we see first-hand the excellent work that the RNLI does on a daily basis.

"Santa Dash organisers Chris Pandit, Sonia Carty and myself are open water swimmers and paddle boarders, so you never know when you might need their services - although hopefully we never will.

"We like to choose a charity where we know that the money raised will have a real impact locally and West Kirby Lifeboat Crew do an amazing job all year round so it’s fantastic that we can support them.

"We all wish safe passage to all everyone at West Kirby Lifeboat Station in their new vessel and hope that they save many lives at sea."