The Laden Lifeboat Lasses visit Burnham-on-Sea RNLI

Kate Bourn and Beth Barratt planned to visit 100 RNLI Lifeboat Stations around the coast of England and Wales, by bicycle, unsupported and camping all the way!

During July and August, they ticked off as many stations in Cornwall and Devon as they could, over a series of mini adventures, to test our kit and themselves, in preparation for the BIG TOUR.

On 7 September, they set off from Poole Lifeboat Station on a 1,500 mile journey around the coast and up to Scarborough. From there they planned to get the train to Liverpool before heading back down (and around!) the coast of Wales, finally finishing in Minehead at the beginning of October. Beth had to be back in time for her brother's wedding!

Why? they love the sea but have a healthy fear and respect for the water. Between them, they row, kayak, paddle board, surf and sail. Luckily, they have never needed the support of the RNLI, but they are there for us every day, just in case. Some of their friends are these very people!

In the Coronavirus pandemic, they were both furloughed and this adventure has gave them a purpose, something to plan, train for and challenge themselves. There are so many charities struggling as a result of Coronavirus, so they wanted to use the time they were given to raise awareness of the great work still being done around the country. They quoted; ‘RNLI volunteers are still out there risking their lives for us, so what is it to us to make ourselves a little vulnerable and try doing something that scares us?

The work that the RNLI puts into education is vital. Living by the coast, Kate has seen the impact education is having upon kids in the community. Teaching the next generation about the coast, tidal changes, currents and generally about how to be safe in the water provides a strong tool in reducing the risk of losing lives at sea. Surf Lifesaving Clubs are teaching their young members, supported by the RNLI, which is really positive to see. Raising money to further this programme is worth the miles.

They add; ‘Thank you for anything that you can give to help this amazing charity. We are really grateful for your support - thank you for all the messages coming in. Our bums and legs are grateful too!’

More information on their just giving page;

https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/lifeboatlasses

Burnham-on-Sea Lifeboat Press Officer Mike Lang says; ‘We congratulate them both for their resolve and determination to complete this project in the difficult covid times. Not only did they reach their target £2,250, but exceeded it by more than £900. Their just giving page also makes interesting reading.’

ENDS

NOTES FOR EDITORS

Images with this release:

File name: Laden_lasses_1 (RNLI/Mike Lang) - Kate Bourn and Beth Barratt in front of Burnham-on-Sea lifeboat station with Crewmember Dan Fear, and Head Launcher Ian Brown

File name: Laden_lasses_2 (RNLI/Mike Lang) – Kate and Beth leave Burnham-on-Sea en route to Bridgwater.

Lifeboats in service at Burnham-on-Sea:

A 7.5m Atlantic 75 named Doris Day and Brian plus a smaller 4.95m D class IB1 inflatable named Burnham Reach The station was opened officially on 15^th May 2004, but has been operational since December 2003.

Note: Last year the RNLI was facing a ‘perfect storm’, with a reduced income and an increase in demand for it’s services. This year, in the midst of a global pandemic, fundraising has been severely reduced by a national lockdown, yet the lifeboats have still been launched 24/7 in their strategy to save lives at sea.

Click this link to donate; https://rnli.org/support-us/give-money/give-to-a-special-appeal/summer-appeal

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],

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 Marianne Quinn Regional Media Officer (South West) [email protected] Mobile: 07786 668847

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.