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May 2025
Dear Supporter,
Welcome to the May edition of Seapost, The Seafarers' Charity's e-newsletter. We’re so grateful for your continued support and we’ve packed this edition with exciting updates and ways you can make a real difference. We hope you enjoy reading it!
Best wishes,
Luca Selvaggio
Editor
Help Seafaring Families Thrive
If you haven’t had a chance to contribute to our appeal yet, there’s still time to make a positive impact. It is thanks to our loyal supporters that we’ve been able to do so much for seafarers and their families in times of need.
In 2024, thanks to our donors, we supported 563 families with financial assistance and empowered 380 young people to transform their futures. Your generous gift provides vital emergency aid, emotional support, and life-changing opportunities for young people across the UK.
This spring, we continue to stand alongside families who need hope and help the most. Every donation plants a seed of hope and opportunity, creating a ripple effect of positive change. With your support, we can reach even more families and young people, offering the care and resources they need to navigate difficult times and build brighter futures.
Marking #VEDay80: Remembering Those Lost at Sea
On 8 May, the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe, we honoured all those who served during the Second World War, including the thousands of civilian seafarers who never came home.
The Merchant Navy Memorial at Tower Hill in London bears 36,068 names – more than any other war memorial in the UK. Of these, 23,895 are commemorated on the Second World War section as having no known grave but the sea. From the Battle of the Atlantic, Dunkirk, and the Arctic convoys to D-Day and the Pacific, these losses include 36 women, a seaman aged 74, and more than 2,000 teenagers – some as young as 14.
We were honoured to be part of the #VEDay80 commemorations on Plymouth Hoe, where Emma Maunder from Cattewater Harbour Commissioners laid a wreath on our behalf.
Our thanks to Plymouth City Council for organising such a dignified and moving tribute. Let us take a moment to remember seafarers' bravery, resilience, and sacrifice in the fight for peace and freedom.
Commemorating National Fishing Remembrance Day 2025
On 11 May, we joined communities across the UK to mark the second National Fishing Remembrance Day - from Wick in the north of Scotland to Jersey in the Channel Islands. Led by The Fishermen’s Mission and supported by The Seafarers’ Charity, Stella Maris, Seafish, and the Maritime and Coastguard Agency, the day offered a moment to pause and remember all those lost while working in the UK’s fishing industry - one of the most dangerous professions in the world.
The national commemoration in England was held in Brixham, where attendees from across the country gathered to honour those lost. Our Impact Director, Tina Barnes, represented the Charity and heard a powerful tribute from Minister for Food Security, Daniel Zeichner, who spoke movingly about the risks fishing communities face. Following the service, RNLI Brixham took floral tributes, including our wreath, to scatter at sea - a fitting and beautiful act.
In Scotland, our Chief Executive, Deborah Layde, attended the national event in Peterhead, alongside MSP for Rural Affairs, Mairi Gougeon. Meanwhile, in Plymouth, Luke Pollard MP laid a wreath on our behalf at the Merchant Navy and Fishing Fleet Memorial on Plymouth Hoe. Daniel Zeichner, having travelled from Brixham, also laid a wreath on behalf of GOV.UK, and Tudor Evans OBE did so for Plymouth City Council.
A heartfelt thank you to everyone who took part in this important day - whether by attending a service, laying a tribute, or sharing messages online. Together, we honour fishers past and present, and continue to raise awareness of fishing safety.
Championing Inclusion at I EXIST TOO 2025 Forum
On 7–8 May, our Chief Executive, Deborah Layde, took part in the I EXIST TOO 2025 Forum - an influential event focused on building a more inclusive and equitable maritime industry. Deborah delivered the forum's keynote speech before joining a panel on "Casting a Wider Net: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the Fishing Sector.” This highlighted not just our own EDI work but also called for more data, research and action to support LGBTQ workers in this traditionally overlooked area. As proud sponsors of I EXIST TOO, we remain committed to supporting LGBTQ+ professionals and shaping a maritime future where everyone feels safe, seen, and valued.
Thrive in Fishing: A Guide to Starting in the UK Industry
"Thrive in Fishing: Hooked on Success" is a joint initiative from The Seafarers’ Charity and The Nautical Institute to support people considering a career in the UK fishing industry.
This guide shares stories from fishers with years of experience, showing what success looks like and how the fishing scene in the UK has changed over time.
Together, we outline what it takes to start as well as run a small-scale fishing business, focusing on vessels under 24 metres, usually operated by a small crew. This guide prepares potential fishers for the challenges and the opportunities of their new career.
Spotlight on John Corp: A #TeamSeafarersKGFS Legend
This month, we’re shining a spotlight on one of our most dedicated fundraisers - John Corp, who completed his ninth London Marathon in support of The Seafarers’ Charity this year.
John first joined #TeamSeafarersKGFS back in 2011, and over the years, his commitment and determination have helped raise an outstanding £26,000 in support of seafarers and their families.
We’re delighted that John will also be joining us at this year’s Annual Meeting, where we look forward to celebrating his contribution in person.
Thank you, John, for going the distance - again and again!
Go to Greater Heights for Seafarers
On 5–6 July, take on our flagship challenge event, the 24 Peaks Challenge, and push your limits in support of seafarers and their families.
Covering 33 miles and 13,000 ft of ascent in the stunning Lake District, this two-day endurance event is one of the toughest mountain challenges in the UK. To put it into perspective, 33 miles is the equivalent of sailing from Dover to Calais and back – or nearly the full length of the Panama Canal!
Choose your level:
🏅 Gold - 24 Peaks
🥈 Silver - 21 Peaks
🥉 Bronze - 7 Peaks + paddleboarding
Take on a rewarding personal challenge, or bring your team together, to support seafarers and their families.
Come and find us at Stand L17!
We'll be exhibiting at Seawork 2025 - Europe’s largest on-water commercial marine and workboat exhibition - taking place from 10–12 June at Mayflower Park, Southampton. With over 7,500 visitors, 470+ exhibitors, and attendees from more than 60 countries, Seawork is a key event for anyone working in the commercial marine, workboat, and marine civils sectors.
Whether you're looking to collaborate, support our work, or learn more about our impact, we’d love to start the conversation!
