RNLI stations in Dwyfor and Meirionnydd are appealing to the public to donate to the charity’s Christmas appeal.

Money raised supplies lifeboat volunteers with equipment they need to keep people safe.

Barmouth coxswain Peter Davies said: “Christmas 2020 will be different for us all due to coronavirus. What isn’t different is our crew’s willingness to leave their families and race to the aid of those in need. Christmas Day, New Year’s Day, every day - our volunteers will be on call, ready to respond.

“Sadly, all fundraising events at the station have been cancelled since March and the shop has remained closed. As a charity we rely on the generosity of the public to continue to save lives so their support of the RNLI Christmas appeal is even more important this year.”

Phil Brown, chairman of Abersoch RNLI, said: “2020 has been an unprecedented year and almost all fundraising activities have not been able to go ahead.

“This has had a significant financial impact on the RNLI nationally and also our local station, in what has also been the busiest year for call-outs as more people remain in the UK for holidays. We hope the Christmas Appeal will reach far and wide.”

Barmouth RNLI volunteer Glesni Williams will be on call on Christmas Day.

She said: “The RNLI has always been in my family and it makes me incredibly proud to think I’m carrying on a family tradition. The best Christmas gift volunteers like me can wish for is a kind donation to our Christmas appeal. Funds raised will provide the lifesaving kit I need.

Glesni, 20, has historical connections with the RNLI.

Her three times grandfather William Griffith served on The Chieftain as bowman and second coxswain from 1939 until 1966. Her great-uncle John Stockford served from 1964 until 1992 and was awarded the RNLI’s silver medal for gallantry, the first to be awarded to the crew of an inshore lifeboat.

Cousin Wil Stockford is helm of Aberdyfi inshore lifeboat and cousin Jacob Cleaver is a member of Barmouth RNLI crew.

Glesni’s mum, Clare, is always relieved to see her daughter return home, but also incredibly proud.

She said: “It can be difficult seeing her leave when the pager goes, but I know the RNLI provides her with the very best training and equipment, and her family who are no longer with us would be beaming with pride. I know Glesni might have to drop everything and run out the door even at Christmas, but what better way to spend the festive period than knowing you can make a real difference if that call comes?”