RNLI supporters using internet auction site eBay raised £55,597 for the charity last year. Among them was Martin Craig from St Ives, Cornwall, who raised £99 by selling some old furniture.

He was helping his partner’s mother dispose of a three-piece suite when he saw its potential: ‘I hate throwing things away, and when we lifted it into the skip I noticed the G Plan label. I know they’re collectable so I thought someone might want it. My brother was a trawlerman, so the RNLI is my favourite charity.’

The set was snapped up by Trevor and Linda Taylor (pictured enjoying her purchase). Linda says: ‘It’s made us very happy. It’s replacing a similar one we got rid of a few years ago that was sorely missed, so it’ll take pride of place in my living room. I’m also so happy that the money’s gone to such a good cause – what a wonderful idea!’

If you sell on eBay, you can donate some or all of your profits to the RNLI through ebay.co.uk/ebayforcharity. Since forming in 2006,  the RNLI eBay community has raised almost £113,000. Thank you!