Boat 'stunt' (From Penarth Times)

Boat 'stunt'

I AM writing with regard to your recent article and photograph of Mr Simon Rabaiotti on his wedding day, having been taken to the church in the RNLI lifeboat.

I must express my grave concern about trivialising this vital service.

Were the seafaring public of Penarth warned not to get into difficulties as the lifeboat and coastguard staff was not available to rescue them?

I fear that this is yet another publicity stunt.

The bride was noticeably absent from the photograph, and mention of her was almost an afterthought.

As a contributor to and fundraiser for the RNLI over the last ten years, I have raised in excess of £5,000 - does this mean I can contact the RNLI head office when I want to book the lifeboat for my daughter's wedding or my son's graduation?

Perhaps it could be made available when I need a taxi back from Cardiff on a Saturday night and all the cabs are busy.

Whoever sanctioned the use of this lifeboat at the RNLI head office should seriously think again - this is one supporter who will never contribute another penny to an organisation that relies on the goodwill of the general public.

Mrs D Thomas (address supplied)