Bridlington RNLI volunteers go the distance in Great North Run

The 13.1-mile (21km) event saw runners and wheelchair participants make their way from Newcastle through Gateshead and South Tyneside before crossing the finish line in South Shields.

Among the 60,000 participants were elite athletes, first-time runners, celebrities, the Prime Minister, Spider-Man and even a giant green caterpillar. Joining them on the start line were Bridlington RNLI volunteers Helen Baxter, Dalton Smith and Natalie Clydesdale, who proudly completed the challenge in support of the lifesaving charity.

The trio had spent months preparing for the event, balancing training runs with their volunteering commitments at Bridlington Lifeboat Station.

Despite the physical challenge, the atmosphere along the route helped carry them through, with thousands of spectators lining the streets to cheer on participants from start to finish.

Helen Baxter said, ‘Flipping heck, that was hard, but not as hard as Veering Down! When I saw the message and photo a kilometre from the finish line of the entire Bridlington RNLI volunteer crew, It gave me such a boost and helped spur me on. I am so proud to be part of the Bridlington crew and incredibly grateful for everyone’s support.

The atmosphere along the route was amazing. The encouragement from the crowds really helped us keep going when the miles began to take their toll. Completing the Great North Run was an unforgettable experience, and we’re delighted to have raised money for the RNLI.’

Dalton Smith added, ‘It was a fantastic day and a real personal achievement. Knowing that every donation will help support RNLI volunteers and contribute towards saving lives at sea made every step worthwhile. Every cheer, clap and word of encouragement from the spectators carried me through the toughest moments of the race. Taking part in the Great North Run was a truly memorable experience, and I am incredibly proud to have raised money that will help RNLI volunteers continue saving lives at sea’.

Natalie Clydesdale said, ‘The Great North Run has an electric atmosphere. It was a real challenge that pushed me mentally. I am incredibly grateful to everyone who supported me throughout this journey and donated to the fundraising efforts. A special shout out to James from Tynemouth running in his full ILB kit, we got each other over the line and it was everything the RNLI is, about, One Crew. Marathon next?’.

RNLI volunteers are on call day and night to save lives at sea, and fundraising events such as the Great North Run help ensure crews have the training, equipment and support they need to continue that vital work.

Bridlington RNLI would like to thank everyone who donated, supported and encouraged the trio throughout their fundraising journey. If you would still like to sponsor our three runners, please follow the below links.

Helen: RNLI - Royal National Lifeboat Institution: Helen's RNLI fundraising page

Dalton: Dalton Smith is running the Great North Run

Natalie: Natalie Clydesdale is running the Great North Run

Editor's Notes

The Great North Run is the world's largest half marathon, attracting tens of thousands of participants each year and raising millions of pounds for charities across the UK.

Ends

RNLI Media Contacts

For further information, please contact:

Michael Milner, Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer for RNLI North and East, [email protected]

Clare Hopps, RNLI Regional Communications Manager for North East and East England, 07824 518641, [email protected]

Richard Grange, RNLI Regional Communications Lead for North East and East England, 07483 112015, [email protected]

RNLI Press Office, 01202 336789, [email protected]

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.

Learn more about the RNLI

For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, TikTok and YouTube. News releases, videos and photos are available on the News Centre.

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.