A FUND-RAISING event has been held in memory of a pilot who died after crashing in thick fog.
Andrew Cantle, 27, who grew up in Moorside, was co-piloting the commuter plane which crashed at Cork Airport, Ireland, in February 2011.
Sunderland Yacht Club has raised £1,116 for volunteers at Sunderland Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) station – where Mr Cantle served between 2000 and 2008.
During this time, he took part in 65 emergency missions, which resulted in the rescue of 66 people.
It was announced at the event that the Forever by the Sea memorial fund set up in his memory would be used to fund the next operational D Class inshore lifeboat to be stationed at the centre.
Sunderland RNLI senior helmsman Paul Nicholson said: “The naming of our next D Class inshore lifeboat in memory of Andy will be the ultimate tribute to him and the life that he led serving his local community.
“The target aim of the fund is to raise the required £40,000 over the next eight to 10 years.”
The event at the weekend sold out in advance and was attended by 120 guests, including past and present RNLI volunteers who served with Mr Cantle along with family members.
Comments