Octogenarian celebrates milestone Birthday by walking 1,000 miles for the RNLI
John Batley from Much Marcle in Herefordshire is marking his 80th Birthday year by undertaking a walking challenge to raise funds for the charity he has supported for over 60 years. He will begin his challenge of walking three miles every day on 1 February.
John’s passion for the sea was born at a young age, as his stepfather was in the Merchant Navy. As he approached his 80th Birthday in April, he decided to combine his love of the RNLI with his passion for walking.
A regular walker in his local community, last year he clocked up over 800 miles in the year, so decided to take his hobby a step further in an attempt to raise funds for charity.
He has a primary route in and around his local village and will alternate the route clockwise and anti-clockwise aiming for a total of 80-85 miles each month.
John says:
‘I know that charities have been struggling throughout the pandemic, so I saw this as an opportunity to do something positive to raise money. I thought that people might be interested in the challenge.’
RNLI community manager Spencer Harris says:
‘We were thrilled to hear about John and his amazing challenge for the RNLI. Our ability to fundraise has obviously been affected by the pandemic, so to hear his story really is heart-warming. John really is our very own Captain Sir Tom Moore and we wish him the very best with his efforts.’
To donate to the challenge visit: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/john-batley-1000-miles
Ends
Media Contacts
For more information, please contact Danielle Rush, RNLI Media Manager in Wales on 07786 668829.
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.