A Good Cause

On Friday night a helicopter making a routine trip back from an off shore platform went down a few miles south of Shetland, most the passengers were rescued but 4 lives were very sadly lost. That it wasn't a greater tragedy is due to the prompt action of the emergency services; there are two things about the R.N.L.I. that hit me fresh every time I think about them - the first is how often they must go out when the thing you'd be more inclined to do is stay safely at home, and the second is that they're volunteers.

I've mentioned Ruth Brownlee before, she's an extraordinary painter who currently lives and works in Shetland and she's decided to auction a painting and try and raise some money for the R.N.L.I. She says:

 "Like many folk in Shetland and Scotland, I'm still quite affected by the Friday's helicopter tragedy south of Shetland which has sadly claimed four lives.

I have nothing but respect for all the emergency staff that were involved in the recovery operation and would like to do my bit, by auctioning this painting for the RNLI, which is run purely by volunteers and they have worked tirelessly all weekend, risking their lives to help others. 

This painting, finished this morning reflects the melancholic mist over Shetland this weekend as the recovery operation was carried out. The painting is 20 x 20 cm and will come mounted.

Starting bid will start at £40 and auction will close on Friday 30th. Just leave your bids in the comments and I'll take note. Many thanks".

This painting, finished this morning reflects the melancholic mist over Shetland this weekend as the recovery operation was carried out. The painting is 20 x 20 cm and will come mounted.

Starting bid will start at £40 and auction will close on Friday 30th. Just leave your bids in the comments and I'll take note. Many thanks".

Her face book page where you can bid is here, she's also set up a just giving page here where you can donate directly to the R.N.L.I (remember you can gift aid too). Ruth says she might do a second painting to raffle for the same cause (I have a couple of her paintings, they're what I would grab in a fire). Do have a look and please consider donating to such a good cause)