MDL’s Chatham Maritime Marina joins forces to support SERV Kent charity

We are pleased to announce that we have contributed to a joint £3,000 donation to SERV Kent – Service by Emergency Response Volunteers – through matched funding, supporting a fundraising initiative led by our tenant Network Yacht Brokers Kent.

The donation was marked with a cheque presentation ceremony held at our Chatham Maritime Marina on Wednesday 16 July 2025, attended by representatives from MDL, Network Yacht Brokers Kent and Gillingham Marina. The funds will help SERV Kent continue its volunteer-led work delivering urgent medical items, including blood, samples and donated breast milk, to NHS hospitals across Kent, 24 hours a day.

The fundraising initiative was started by Peter Norris, Managing Director of Network Yacht Brokers Kent and a volunteer driver for SERV Kent. £1,000 was raised through brokerage commissions from recent boat sales, with our Chatham Marina and Gillingham Marina each matching the donation in recognition of the collaborative support between the businesses.

“At MDL Marinas, we’re proud to support good causes across the country, and we’re especially pleased to be supporting SERV Kent with this donation,” says Emma Powell, Marina Manager at MDL Chatham. “Our close working relationship with Network Yacht Brokers Kent has always been focused on helping people get the most out of boating – whether they’re moving up in size, down in size, or starting their journey on the water.

It’s fantastic to now extend that partnership in a way that also gives back to the wider community, including our customers, by supporting such an essential, volunteer-led service for our local NHS hospitals.

Tim Mayer, our Sales and Marketing Director, adds: “SERV Kent is an inspiring example of how volunteer-led organisations can make a real impact on local healthcare. We’re proud to have contributed to this important initiative, supporting a tenant-led effort that reflects the spirit of cooperation and community we value across all our marinas.”

SERV Kent relies entirely on donations to maintain its free-of-charge service to NHS trusts. Its volunteers often use their own vehicles and cover their own costs, helping respond to more than 6,000 calls each year across the region. The charity also plays a key role in supporting the Kent, Surrey & Sussex Air Ambulance by supplying onboard blood products.

This donation demonstrates how collaboration between marina operators and tenants can extend beyond marine services, making a meaningful difference to the wider community.

To learn more about SERV Kent and its charitable work, visit www.servkent.co.uk.