LATEST: Raft Race has got it licked with Morelli’s ice cream!

Mr. Morelli (sponsor), Councillor Yvonne Boyle, Deputy Mayor of Coleraine, Pat Storey, secretary of the fundraising and raft race committee, and Portrush Lifeboat crew members Tim Nelson, Chris Dobbin and Jason Chambers pictured launching the 2015 RNLI Raft Race in Portrush. INCR5-365PL

This continued support from the one of the best known local family owned companies will ensure that the Raft Race tradition, a fun filled family event, continues to entertain and raise funds for the volunteer crew at Portrush Lifeboat Station.

Morelli’s has been producing ice cream on the North Coast for over a century and the local family epitomise the fun family ethos that has long been the trademark of Portrush Raft Race.

Shelley Pinkerton, Chair of Raft Race said: “We are thrilled that Morelli’s are once again our main sponsor for this event.

Portrush Lifeboat crew members Jason Chambers, Tim Nelson, and Chris Dobbin pictured launching the 2015 RNLI Raft Race in Portrush during the RNLI SOS fundraising swim at Portrush Harbour on Saturday. INCR5-366PL

“The RNLI is the charity that saves lives at sea. The Lifeboat service receives no UK government funding, our volunteer crew are on call 24/7, and 4 out of 10 rescues are carried out in darkness.

“This event is one of our major fundraising activities throughout the calendar year. Naldo, Daniela and their team have worked with us to make our programme for the weekend of the 23rd and 24th May one of the best on offer to date.”

Naldo Morelli said: “We thoroughly enjoy working with the committee to organise one of the best family fun filled weekends here on the North Coast whilst not forgetting the importance of supporting the volunteer Lifeboat crew’

Coleraine Borough Council is also supporting and sponsoring this local event.

Portrush man Alan Simpson will be continuing his long association with Portrush RNLI and be acting as compere for the weekend at Portrush Harbour.