New lifeboat fundraising ball game launched with help of sailor who was almost castrated

Describing it as a new ball game, Hamble Lifeboat in Hampshire has launched a fundraising lottery after enlisting the help of a sailor who was almost castrated in a gruesome accident two years ago. Pete Lovett, 49, was sailing off Calshot when he caught his testicles on a boat hook. The lifeboat crew reached the scene in just nine minutes and administered emergency first aid in front of Pete’s wife and son.



He was then airlifted to Southampton General Hospital, where a team of specialist plastic surgeons spent three hours sewing his testicles back into place. Pete, of Leicester, made a full recovery and has spent the past two years raising funds for the lifeboat. Now he has helped the crew launch their new venture, Lifeboat Lotto, which aims to raise cash to keep the service afloat. Recalling his accident he said: “When I fell into the sea I felt between my legs and realised there was nothing there.

“My testicles were about five inches down my thigh. I had to scoop them up in one hand and drag myself back onto the boat. I can never thank the lifeboat crew enough - their fast response and expert first aid undoubtedly helped save my ‘plums’. I can’t believe they do all this for free." Stuart O’Connor, one of the people involved in the rescue, said: “We run two boats at a cost of £28,000 a year and the money raised by Lifeboat Lotto will help with our running costs.



“We’re totally dependent on donations to help us continue our vital service. The new weekly lotto will give local people the opportunity to donate on a regular basis and have some fun as well - plus the chance to win a £5,000 jackpot. Lifeboat Lotto is easy to play. Just pick four numbers between one and 31 and fill them in on the application form. You only need to do this once as your numbers will be registered in the Lifeboat Lotto system and entered into each weekly draw for as long as you pay. It’s not part of a national scheme and the funds raised will go directly to Hamble Lifeboat.”