Exmouth RNLI superfan smashes Mayday Mile challenge for second time

Setting off from the Exmouth lifeboat station at 10am and running to Orcombe Point and back, Ivie was supported by her Dad and runners from the volunteer crew of Exmouth RNLI. In hot conditions, the four crew members sported various items from their crew kit including the charity’s iconic yellow wellies! One of the crew ran in full inshore lifeboat kit including dry-suit, life jacket and helmet!

Less than fifteen minutes later, Ivie and her team sprinted across the finish line, greeted by the RNLI mascot, Stormy Stan, Exmouth mayor, Graham Deasy, and cheers from friends, family and additional members of the Exmouth RNLI crew. Stormy Stan presented Ivie with a gift from the Exmouth RNLI team - a teddy bear created this year to commemorate 25 years of the RNLI lifeguarding service. Her fellow runners also signed a crew teddy bear, that Ivie brought with her for support, as a memento of her seafront run this year.

Exmouth RNLI volunteer crew member and Mayday runner, Geoff Mills, said, “Ivie is amazing! She absolutely loves the RNLI charity and takes a real interest in the work that we do. She has boundless energy and gave us a real workout today! She is already talking about signing up for the challenge next year and joining the crew when she is older!”

The RNLI Mayday appeal challenges supporters to fundraise by completing a mile a day throughout the month of May, with the name recognising the most urgent level of distress signal used across the international maritime community. The funds raised by supporters like Ivie ensure that the RNLI can respond 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year when the distress call comes. Ivie has raised an incredible £293 so far. Anyone wishing to add to Ivie’s fundraising total can do so at her fundraising page at:

https://fundraise.rnli.org/fundraisers/rickycowtan/mayday-mile