A MAN from Bude who had his life saved by the RNLI has urged support for the charity.  

Dad-of-three, Matt Windsor has spoken in support of the RNLI after sharing his life-saving experience off the coast.  

On a day in June, Matt had planned to go out on his kayak at sea for the first time on a fishing trip with a fellow kayaker. Initially it was a calm day and conditions were good, but that changed quickly. 

Attempting to deploy his anchor in order to start fishing, Matt was hit side-on by a wave and got knocked off his kayak. 

He said: “The water was so cold, it took my breath away and I knew instantly I was in trouble, it was like daggers all over my body.” 

After struggling in the water for almost an hour, Matt was losing strength and his body temperature was dropping significantly. 

Matt said: “I thought I was going to die, I could feel it all slipping away. The cold had got to me so badly, I felt so heavy, like I was sinking. I reached into my chest pocket - and I did the only thing I could do which was to push the Mayday button on the radio.” 

Matt’s friend managed to tie the two kayaks together and get Matt to a nearby cove, but he was still in danger of becoming hypothermic. Luckily, the RNLI and a coastguard helicopter had been tasked and volunteers from Ilfracombe RNLI arrived just in time.  

Matt said: “I was very close to losing my life, and if it wasn’t for a that Mayday call and the RNLI, things could have been very different.” 

The RNLI is now putting out its own ‘Mayday’ call, urging the public to take part in the Mayday Mile. All money raised will help to support the charity’s vital lifesaving service.   

Adrian Carey, Head of Region for the southwest at the RNLI, said: “We’re now coming up to our busiest time of year, so we’re putting out our call for help to raise the funds which will help keep our lifesaving service going today and into the future. 

“Our incredible lifeboat crews across the UK and Ireland launched over 9,000 times last year to help those in need, and our lifeguards kept people safe across hundreds of beaches. As a charity, we rely on the generous support of members of the public to continue this lifesaving work.  

“It’s clear from these new figures that demand for our services remains high, with our lifesavers dropping everything to run to the lifeboat station when the call comes in. Every Mayday Mile completed will raise funds to go towards ensuring we are ready whenever the call for help comes in.”