SIR – Friday, May 17, is Nautical Friday – Seafarers UK’s annual fundraising day – when people are being asked to ‘wear something stripy’ to show their support and give money to support seafarers in need.

Seafarers UK was formed in 1917. For 95 years our funding has continued to make a real difference to the lives of serving and former seafarers across the Merchant Navy, fishing fleets, Royal Navy and Royal Marines.

Each year Seafarers UK gives annual grants totalling £2.5 million to help seafarers and their families who are suffering from poverty, poor health, welfare issues, injury or bereavement. But despite our Royal Charter and the impact of our work, Seafarers UK is not well known outside our island nation’s maritime community. We have only 18 local fundraising committees around the UK and I hope that Nautical Friday will help us to attract new supporters to join us in our important task of improving the lives of seafarers and their families in need of help.

To make a donation or to find out more about our work, visit seafarers-uk.org.

Commodore Barry Bryant, CVO, RN, director general, Seafarers UK, Hatherley Street, London