A daring fundraiser made headlines in Wales after spending 24 hours alone on a tiny uninhabited islet off the coast of Anglesey. Di Mills, a 65-year-old yoga teacher and school bus driver from Rhosybol, took on the challenge to support the community of Porth Llechog (Bull Bay) in their efforts to save an old RNLI boathouse. The building, established in 1867 and responsible for numerous life-saving rescues, is at risk of being converted into a holiday rental unless campaigners can raise £80,000 to acquire it.
Despite her initial mishap of falling into the sea when disembarking onto the rocky East Mouse islet, Di persevered through rough weather conditions, enduring gale winds, rain, and the company of screeching gulls. She camped under an umbrella due to the rocky terrain, highlighting the challenges of finding a comfortable spot to sit on the 1.5-acre islet. Di’s return after the gruelling 24-hour experience was met with a warm reception, with community members forming a guard of honour with oars at Porth Llechog.
Campaigners aim to restore the old boathouse and turn it into a community hub, preserving it from potential commercialisation. The £100,000 needed for the purchase and renovation of the building is partially secured by an anonymous benefactor, with ongoing fundraising efforts to repay the loan. The community’s passion to maintain the historic structure’s communal significance is evident, with plans for various activities and events to be hosted within the refurbished boathouse.
In a heartwarming gesture, Di’s adventurous fundraising stunt echoes a similar act from 41 years ago, when Doreen Glennard spent 24 hours on the same islet to raise funds for boathouse repairs. The community’s united efforts to save the boathouse demonstrate their dedication to preserving a vital piece of their heritage. With ongoing fundraising initiatives and community support, the future of the RNLI boathouse in Porth Llechog remains hopeful and rooted in a shared commitment to uphold its historical and community value.