Saying thanks

The Royal National Lifeboat Institution has recognised Sir Leigh Lewis for his great work fundraising for the Civil Service Lifeboat Fund.

In his time as Permanent Secretary of the Department for Work and Pensions, Sir Leigh showed terrific support for the Department’s efforts to raise money for The Lifeboat Fund.  The Fund is the single largest regular contributor to the RNLI and, over the past three years, DWP has donated a total of over £90,000 to this life-saving charity.

The RNLI produced a special certificate and letter of appreciation to recognise Sir Leigh’s work.  The Permanent Secretary of the Scottish Government, Sir Peter Housden – Chairman of The Lifeboat Fund’s Executive Committee – made the presentation to him this week.

Sir Peter said: “Leigh has led and supported sterling work in the Department for Work and Pensions over the past three years, raising more than £90,000 in that time.  I’m proud to be able to recognise his work on behalf of The Fund and, in turn, the RNLI.

“More than 6000 people are rescued by the RNLI every year. They rely heavily on the RNLI’s courageous and selfless body of volunteers and their readiness to respond to ‘shouts’ in all weathers and all times of the day and night.

“The funds we raise help the RNLI to place new lifeboats into service, train its volunteer crews and maintain the boats already on duty at local stations around our coast.”

Formed originally by Civil Servants in 1866, The Lifeboat Fund is, along with the Benevolent Fund, one of only two official Civil Service charities.

The Secretary of The Lifeboat Fund is Angela Saunders, who can be contacted on 0131 244 8488.