Marathon runner to launch new RNLI life-saving equipment after raising £10,000

Emily Stott, who works for Everys Solicitors in Taunton, has raised over £10,000 for the RNLI after her brother passed away in September 2006 whilst surfing.

Running the Virgin London Marathon last year along with two more half marathons, Emily raised £10,558.76 which has enabled the RNLI to launch a new rescue water craft, an essential piece of lifesaving equipment used by lifeguards across the country to rescue people in difficulty. This will be officially launched on Saturday 14 May at Watergate Bay and is to be named Jimmi ll after her brother.

Emily’s brother James had an epileptic fit whilst surfing off Watergate Bay in Newquay and drowned. After being pulled to the shore by two surfers, the RNLI attempted to resuscitate him before he was airlifted to Treliske Hospital where he later passed away. 

Emily said: 'Jimmi was not only my older brother but he was also my best friend. A day doesn’t go by without me thinking about him and wishing he was still with us all. He lived his life to the full and nothing was ever impossible for him.

'Although he never regained consciousness, he was kept alive through a ventilator. If it was not for the RNLI, I would never have had the opportunity to spend time with him before the ventilator was switched off. The RNLI gave me and my family three days to spend with James, and that to me is invaluable and time that I will eternally treasure.'

Along with her two older brothers, Emily has previously run a half marathon and raised £15,000. The money was donated to the RNLI and enabled the charity to purchase an in-shore rescue boat for the lifeguard service, which was named Jimmi.

Since it has been launched, this inshore rescue boat has been stationed on Crantock beach during the lifeguard season and has helped save many lives. It is also used to train new lifeguards in time for the busy summer period.

Lewis Timson, RNLI Lifeguard Supervisor for the Newquay area, says:  'I have nothing but admiration for the Stott family, after the tragic passing of Jimmi the family have done so much to help others.

'The Inshore Rescue Boat Jimmi first donated by the family has performed countless rescues since being stationed at Crantock beach. The family’s new fundraising campaign to provide a new Rescue Water Craft led by Jimmi’s sister Emily has been fantastic and we are so grateful for their continued support.

'The new RWC Jimmi II will be stationed at Watergate Bay each summer helping to keep the public safe in the water for years to come.'

Emily continued: 'I’m so thankful to everyone who has sponsored and supported me over the past year. The London Marathon was a very emotional and incredible experience, but something I will never forget.  I miss my brother every day but purchasing this Rescue Water Craft for the RNLI will not only enable his memory to live on but also rescue anyone who finds themselves in trouble at sea.'

Key facts about the RNLI

The RNLI charity 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 146,000 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.