A 12-year-old boy from England has raised over £3,000 for Abersoch RNLI.

Rupert Keeley from Altrincham has spent four days each week of his school summer holidays selling soft drinks to thirsty locals and holiday makers alike to raise funds for Abersoch RNLI. In total, he has raised a staggering £3,282.50 for the lifesaving charity.

Rupert and his family were invited along to the lifeboat station in Abersoch where the youngster was presented with an RNLI ‘Helped Save Lives at Sea’ certificate. He was also presented with a photograph of the volunteer crew, including support staff and fundraisers, and volunteers from Abersoch Coastguard Rescue Team along with a ‘Thank You’ certificate from Abersoch RNLI.

Rupert, who is a keen water sports enthusiast enjoying paddleboarding, kayaking and water polo, has been inspired by the RNLI.

He said: “I have always been a huge fan of the RNLI and I wanted to raise funds to support them in the amazing work that they do.”

When asked if he would like to become a crew member one day, he gave a resounding ‘yes!’.

Rupert presented the funds he had raised to Sue McCann, volunteer Fundraising Chair, Derek Howarth, volunteer Chairman and Martin Turtle, volunteer Lifeboat Operations Manager.

Sue said: “A huge thank you to Rupert from all the crew at Abersoch for all his hard work and dedication over his summer holidays and thanks must also go to all those who supported him and stopped for a chat along the way.”

Rupert and his family said they were very grateful for the kindness of passers-by who stopped to buy drinks, including a certain Mr Grylls!

Well done Rupert!

If you get into difficulty or spot someone else in trouble dial 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard.