RNLI volunteer takes on half marathon in full lifeboat kit – raising £1,400
Volunteer helm Dan Sinclair and his friend Nathan Siddans have completed the Deal Half Marathon wearing full RNLI inshore lifeboat kit – finishing in an impressive 2 hours 15 minutes and raising £1,400 for the charity.
Dan and Nathan took on the 13.1-mile challenge on February 15 dressed in full operational kit, including thermals, drysuits with inbuilt steel toe-capped welly boots, lifejackets and helmets – collectively weighing around 11kg.
The pair say the challenge symbolises the physical readiness and dedication shown by RNLI volunteer crews every time their pagers sound.
In two months time, on April 26, they will go even further – tackling all 26.2 miles of the London Marathon, once again wearing RNLI inshore lifeboat kit. They hope to raise a total of £4,600 for the two challenges.
Dan, who has volunteered at Walmer RNLI for 18 years, said: ‘We’re incredibly proud to have completed the half marathon in 2 hours 15 minutes, especially in full kit.
‘It was tough at times, with high winds and heavy rain for the entire run, but also good fun with a great community spirit to help us round.
‘We want to raise as much money as possible to help the RNLI continue its vital work saving lives at sea.’
The pair are no strangers to demanding fundraising challenges. In October 2025, they raised £16,000 – smashing their £2,000 target – by cycling 1,000 miles over 10 days from John o’Groats to Land’s End and summiting Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) along the way.
Nathan added: ‘The support from our community and loved ones has been incredible. Completing the half marathon has motivated us even more for the London Marathon in April.
‘Every donation, no matter the amount, helps to support the selfless volunteer crews who drop everything to save lives at sea.’
To support Dan and Nathan’s London Marathon challenge, visit:
Key facts about the RNLI
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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Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries
Members of the public may contact the RNLI on 0300 300 9990 (UK) or 1800 991802 (Ireland) or by email.