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Sheerness RNLI wins cash prize at Sheppey Men’s Rally

Lifeboats News Release

Volunteer crew and fundraisers from Sheerness RNLI were proud to win the top cash prize at the Rev Up & Reset Sheppey Men’s Rally and have since donated it back to support the local community.

RNLI/Megan Carr

Sheerness RNLI volunteers with Kelly O’Connell and Teresa Harris-Boag

The event, organised by Sheppey Matters, took place at IslandWorks and focused on promoting men’s health, wellbeing and connection in a relaxed, no-pressure environment.

Sheppey Matters is a community-based health and wellbeing charity working across the Isle of Sheppey to improve quality of life through inclusive activities, support services and community-led initiatives. Its work focuses on tackling isolation, encouraging healthier lifestyles and bringing people together in ways that are accessible and welcoming.

A group of seven Sheerness RNLI volunteers attended the rally to show their support and were awarded the cup for the largest crew turnout on the night.

Alongside the trophy, the crew received a £250 prize intended to go towards a night out. Instead, the volunteers chose to donate the money back to Sheppey Matters so it could be put towards supporting another local cause.

The prize and trophy were presented by Kelly O’Connell, alongside Teresa Harris-Boag, recognising both the crew’s strong turnout and their commitment to giving back to the community.

The Rev Up & Reset rally brought people together with free food, racing simulators and optional MOT-style health checks, helping to encourage conversations around men’s health in an informal and welcoming setting.

Neil Peterson, a volunteer crew member at Sheerness RNLI, said: 'We were really happy to support a local cause and it was a great turnout. We're looking forward to supporting Sheppey Matters again in the future.'

Sheerness RNLI volunteers added that donating the prize money back felt like a natural extension of the RNLI’s ethos of supporting and strengthening the community they serve.

The event was widely praised for its inclusive atmosphere and clear focus on looking out for one another, reinforcing the importance of accessible, community-led approaches to men’s health.

RNLI/Megan Carr

Sheerness RNLI volunteers with Kelly O’Connell and Teresa Harris-Boag

RNLI/Megan Carr

Sheerness RNLI volunteers won a prize at Rev Up & Reset Sheppey Men’s Rally

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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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