- €6,000 Donation to Crew Training in Wexford RNLI Station

- Launch of the Mazda JET Ski Challenge with a target to raise a further €10,000 for crew training at the five RNLI Stations based in Co. Wexford

- Free Car Wash from Grannell Motors for each individual who donates to the RNLI

Grannell Motors, Wexford's Mazda Dealer, today announced an exciting new fundraising partnership with the RNLI Lifeboats. Grannell Motors, in association with Mazda Motor Ireland are donating €6,000 to the Wexford RNLI lifeboat station for vital life-saving training of four volunteer crew members.

"We are extremely proud to announce this partnership with the RNLI in Wexford and to support their life-saving work on the lifeboats", commented Matt Grannell, Dealer Principal at Grannell Motors. "The RNLI play a vital role in the local community; rescuing and saving lives along the Wexford Coast." The RNLI operate five lifeboat stations in Wexford, which are run by volunteers. Last year in Wexford the RNLI launched 79 times and rescued 91 people. The RNLI places a high priority on training its volunteers. Training is what turns a volunteer from someone who is willing to save lives into someone who saves lives safely and sometimes in very challenging conditions.

This training costs money. Grannell Motors donation will provide that training to four RNLI members over the coming months. In addition to the donation, Grannell Motors are also undertaking a Mazda Jet Ski Challenge. "In July, we aim to cross the channel to Fishguard in Wales on 10 jet skis to raise further awareness and funds for the RNLI Crew training in all Wexford RNLI stations", explained Matt.

A committee, consisting of Jimmy Hyland, MD Wexford Motorcycle Centre & Marine Services, Anthony Kuhn , proprietor of Harbour Thrills sight-seeing boat, Philip Scallan, MD Celtic Linen, and Matt Grannell aims to raise a further between €7000 to €10,000 through the Mazda Jet Ski Challenge. Riding on 10 jet skies, 20 participants will brave the open water. Each participant is actively fundraising in order to take part in the challenge.

"Safety is of paramount importance in the jet ski challenge", continues Matt. "While we will choose to experience the open sea in calm conditions, we want highlight the brave men and women the RNLI do not have that choice. Their live-saving expertise is called upon 365 days a year; in all weather and sea conditions."

Matt and the team are asking members of the Wexford public to call into their showrooms to help support the challenge and the RNLI. Grannell Motors are offering a free car wash to each individual who donates money to the RNLI.

To make a donation or to find out more about the exciting Mazda range, call Grannell Motors on 053 9124600 or visit the company's showroom in Ardcavan, Co. Wexford.