RNLI thirsty for public’s support as H2Only challenge is launched
This September, the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) is challenging people in Scotland to give up all drinks except water for 10 days to raise vital funds for the lifesaving charity.
The H2Only challenge runs from 5pm on Tuesday 13 September to 5pm on Friday 23 September, with participants giving up the drinks they love for 10 long days and drinking nothing but water throughout the challenge.
Coxswain of the Dunbar lifeboat, Gary Fairbairn says: ‘The H2Only challenge is extremely tough. We know that going 10 days without a morning cuppa, a pint after work or a can of fizzy drink will be really hard for everyone taking part.
‘Every pound raised is so important to the RNLI. As a charity, we rely on the support and generosity of the public so that we can continue to save lives at sea. All the money raised by people taking on the H2Only challenge will be greatly appreciated.’
Everyone who signs up to take on the challenge will receive a pack containing two H2Only temporary tattoos to wear. The tattoos last up to 10 days – so participants can proudly display their exclusive H2Only ‘ink’ while taking on the challenge.
All those brave enough to take on the challenge can sign-up now at h2only.org.uk.
Gary continues: ‘People can sign-up as part of a crew with their friends or work colleagues and take on the H2Only challenge together. Just a like an RNLI lifeboat crew, they’ll be able to rely on each other for support when the going gets tough and they hit choppy waters during the challenge. I’d encourage all H2Only participants to stay on the water to help the RNLI stay on the water.’
In 2015, RNLI volunteer lifeboat crews across the UK and Ireland rescued 7,973 people, saving 348 lives, while the charity’s lifeguards helped 18,181 people and saved 94 lives.
Follow @RNLI on Twitter or like the RNLI Facebook page for all the latest H2Only news and updates.
Notes to editors
• Picture 1 Gary Fairbairn, coxswain (right) and Gipper Ainslie, mechanic (left) of the Dunbar lifeboat (credit Henry Weaver)
• Picture 2 Gary Fairbairn, coxswain (left) and Gipper Ainslie, mechanic (right)
• For interviews with Gary Fairbairn or Gipper Ainslie please contact Henry Weaver (below)
RNLI media contacts
Henry Weaver, RNLI Press Officer for Scotland, 01738 642986, 07771 943026, [email protected]
Richard Smith, RNLI Public Relations Manager for Scotland, 01738 642956, 07786 668903, [email protected]
Luke Blissett, RNLI PR Officer, on 01202 663184 or email [email protected] or call the RNLI Press Office on 01202 336789 or email [email protected]
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.
Learn more about the RNLI
For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, X, 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.