Bond actor backs lifeboat appeal

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James Bond star Daniel Craig is throwing his support behind a project to raise £2m for a new lifeboat and station on Merseyside.

The actor, who lived in Wirral as a boy, has written the foreword for a new RNLI brochure publicising the appeal.

In his message, the 40-year-old recalls his childhood memories of the old Hoylake lifeboat station and how used to hang out there with his friends.

An RNLI spokesman said the actor's support would help the appeal.

Founded in 1803, Hoylake RNLI lifeboat station is one of the oldest lifeboat stations in the UK.

However, the existing lifeboat building which dates back to 1899, is too small and out of date to house the next generation of lifeboat.

Hoylake's lifeboat and launching tractor are currently housed in separate buildings, but the new boathouse will enable them to be housed together.

Clear future

So far about £900,000 has been raised towards the £2m goal - with Daniel Craig praising all those who have contributed to the appeal.

"I would like to thank personally all those who donated so generously to the lifeboat station appeal," he said.

"It not only affords the crew a certain level of comfort with new training facilities, it shows a clear future for Hoylake lifeboat.

A total of £2m is needed to fund the new station and lifeboat

"The waterways around Hoylake are getting busier. More people are using them for leisure and Liverpool remains one of the UK's major ports.

"With increased ferry traffic and offshore facilities, Hoylake Lifeboat is not looking forward to a quiet life.

He added: "I was sad to see the old Hoylake lifeboat station go.

"It was a rallying point when we were kids. Somewhere to meet, a place to climb and fall off, and usually to be chased away by an annoyed lifeboat man after you had asked him for the thirteenth time to be taken out in the lifeboat.

'Long overdue'

"The building that replaces it however is long overdue.

"When you consider the Hoylake lifeboats' 200-year history, the lives it has saved and therefore the families it has kept together, its importance needs no embellishment, but its continued success needs our support."

Dave Whiteley, Hoylake RNLI's coxswain, said: "Everyone in Hoylake is very proud of Daniel's success and we are absolutely delighted that he wanted to give his backing to the appeal.

"Raising £2 million is no easy task so having Daniel's support will make a huge difference."