Dover RNLI volunteer smashes fundraising target cycling 676 miles around Kent

With an initial target of £500 for the 500 miles, David began his challenge on Sunday 19 July, ‘Emergency Services Day’, at the Canterbury Bike Ride. He passed through Faversham, Sandwich and Oare, and the RNLI lifeboat stations of Whitstable and Walmer, finishing the ride at Dover RNLI lifeboat station on Sunday 16 August, where he was welcomed by the crew, who were just back from a training exercise with Dungeness, shop volunteers and friends.

David smashed his original target of £500, with his fund now sitting at over £1,000. He’s also sailed past his mileage target, clocking 676 miles in the saddle over the past four weeks.

David said: ‘I wanted to do my bit for the RNLI and the station as I couldn't attend their ‘Emergency Services Day’ back in July.  I thought doing 125 miles every week for four weeks would be tough, but in the end I did almost 170 miles every week.’

‘It was fantastic to cycle around the lanes, back roads and pretty villages of my part of Kent.  And I am absolutely stunned by people's generosity in supporting the RNLI - I think it touches something close to their hearts. I’m very grateful for the support, and also the encouragement provided by members of Canterbury Bicycle Club who accompanied on many of the rides.’

To support David’s challenge visit:

https://fundraise.rnli.org/fundraisers/davidhampson-ghani

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Notes to editors

• David is available for interview

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For further information, please contact:

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• RNLI Press Office, 01202 336789, [email protected]

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The RNLI is the charity that saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland coasts. The RNLI operates 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and more than 240 lifeguard units on beaches around the UK and Channel Islands. The RNLI is independent of Coastguard and government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824, its lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved over 146,700 lives.

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