Burnham-On-Sea RNLI Fundraising Chair Begins Weight Loss Challenge

The challenge is to raise money for both Burnham-On-Sea and Exmouth lifeboat stations helping them to continue saving lives at sea.

In 2015 Jared and three others were rescued by Exmouth RNLI after their boat started to take on water. Since this time Jared has supported the RNLI by fundraising and now Chairs the Fundraising volunteers at Burnham-on-Sea, plus, he is also an RNLI Ambassador.

Jared said today: 'After being given a second chance at life by the RNLI I want to better myself and my life and raise money for the charity that gave me the opportunity.'

He added: 'We were not wearing life jackets at the time of rescue although my 13 year old cousin was wearing a buoyancy aid. This was very nearly a costly mistake.'

Jared now delivers sea safety messages to the public such as wearing and maintaining your life jacket and promotes the RNLI 'Respect The water' and 'Float To Live' campaigns at local fundraising events.

He has an ultimate weight loss goal of 140lbs(10st), but his interim goal is to lose 100lb by 27 July 2020 which will be his 30th birthday. He will be following a Slimming World plan, taking some exercise and increasing activity.

Details of Jared's progress and sponsorship information can be found here Www.facebook.com/RNLIchallenge and donations can be made here Www.justgiving.com/RNLIchallenge

Jared went on to say: 'Any support will be greatly appreciated whether it be financial or words of encouragement and all monies raised will be split 50/50 between Burnham-On-Sea and Exmouth lifeboat stations.'

The RNLI is a charity that saves lives at sea and always promotes the use of a life jacket.

RNLI Picture caption

The photos show Jared Colclough. Please credit: RNLI Fundraising.

RNLI media contacts

For more information about this release please telephone Mike Lang, RNLI Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer on 07889 815860 or email [email protected], The release was composed by Burnham-on-Sea RNLi fundraising publicity volunteer Ann Jones.

In the absence of the above, contact RNLI Public Relations on 01202 336789

Alternatively, telephone Amy Caldwell RNLI Public Relations Manager (South)

Tel 07920 818 807, [email protected] , or Emma Haines Press Officer; 07786 668847 [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.

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