Climbing the stairs for Margate RNLI

George’s father Andy is a volunteer member of Margate’s RNLI lifeboat crew and being a postman is a key worker twice over while George’s mum Hayley is an NHS frontline key worker, treating COVID-19 patients.

George was due to be completing his Cub Chief Scout award this term, but his progress was put on hold after his Cub’s group activities were cancelled.

Having completed the first part of the award he decided that for the second he would climb the equivalent of Mount Snowdon on his staircase at home, a total of 475 flights of the stairs. Mum Hayley said: “He’s only 10 so will complete this over two days with breaks because we really don’t need any accidents.”

The family posted George’s efforts on Facebook asking for 50p donations to his fund with a target of £25, at the time of writing donations have reached more than £300 and when the lockdown is lifted he will present his money to RNLI Margate lifeboat.”

Kevin Andrews, Coxswain, Margate RNLI lifeboat said: "At these strange times, particularly as we endeavour to maintain our usual service it is comforting to know that our lifeboat 'family' without whom we could not operate are thinking about us and making positive use of their new extra time at home. We thank George for his endeavour and of course congratulate him for achieving the Cub Chief Scout award."

Karen Cross, Cub Scout Leader 14th Broadstairs Scout Group said: “We would like to commend George on his efforts. One of his nine challenges required to achieve the Silver Award (the top award in Cubs) was to organise a fundraising event. While the pandemic cut short our meetings, I have no hesitation in awarding George his award with him showing great commitment to the project despite the current circumstances. In these incredibly strange and difficult times George has shown resilience, resourcefulness and a positive ‘can do’ attitude, we are extremely proud of him.”

ENDS

RNLI Media contacts

· Peter Barker, RNLI Margate Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer 07974 064304 [email protected]

· Paul Dunt, Regional Media Officer (South East), 0207 6207416, 07786 668825 [email protected]

· For enquiries outside normal business hours, contact the RNLI duty press officer on 01202 336789

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.