Yesterday, rescued angler Mike Dooley returned to Porthcawl lifeboat station to thank the volunteers who saved his life and officially launch the charity’s national fundraising week – Mayday.

41 year old Mike was fishing off the breakwater shortly before Christmas when a large wave suddenly swept him off his feet, pulling him into the sea.   Within 10 minutes of the incident happening, Mike was pulled from the icy waters by the RNLI volunteers and into the safety of the lifeboat.

Talking of the experience Mike said:

‘I was hypothermic and getting desperate so I started to scream for help and just after that I felt hands grabbing my coat and I thought ‘oh thank God the lifeboat is here

‘When I heard about the RNLI’s Mayday campaign I wanted to do what we could to help and raise awareness of the amazing job these volunteers do. I will be eternally thankful to them. They are heroes who put themselves in dangerous situations to help others. I owe my life to them and I can’t say anything more than that.

‘As a charity the RNLI needs every penny so, please give what you can this Mayday as you never know when you may need their help.’