Join Tobermory RNLI for the #Tob2Tob 3,205 mile challenge this August

Last year as we were unable to hold our annual Lifeboat Day, we undertook the 17-39 Challenge as the centrepiece of our virtual Lifeboat Week. Inspired by the number of Tobermory’s all-weather lifeboat, Elizabeth Fairlie Ramsey, our lifeboat volunteers undertook to walk, run, swim, cycle or row a total of 1,739 miles between 1 and 16 August 2020. We not only reached the target three days early but went on to complete 2,184 miles in total – the equivalent of travelling across the Atlantic from Tobermory to Newfoundland or circumnavigating the Isle of Mull more than seven times.

This year we are going to go one step further and you are invited to take part too as we aim to walk, run, swim, cycle or row from Tobermory Lifeboat Station to Tobermory Coastguard Station in Ontario, Canada, a distance of 3,205 miles. Some of our Canadian Coastguard friends in Tobermory will be joining us in the #Tob2Tob Challenge too. We have set up a Facebook page to help us keep track of our progress and any of our supporters and friends wherever they live in the world can take part. The #Tob2Tob Challenge will run from midnight on 1 August 2021 until 23:59 on 31 August 2021.

If you would like to take part, head over to our #Tob2Tob Challenge Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/groups/tob2tob/ and join us. Then each week, let us know how you are getting on and post your weekly mileage on the Facebook page. We’d love to see your photos as you join us in virtually visiting our lifesaving friends in Canada.

It doesn’t cost anything to take part but if you wish to make a donation, however small, visit our Just Giving page at https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/tobermory-lifeboat-day.

We will also be handing out special awards at the end of the #Tob2TobChallenge in the following categories:

• Most Inventive #Tob2Tob Mile Travelled – are you into walking in a deep sea diving suit? Then this could be the category for you.

• Best #Tob2Tob Photo – it could be in a spectacular location or make us laugh out loud.

• Best Dressed #Tob2Tob Challenger – for all you black tie or ball gown runners, cyclists and walkers out there.

• Greatest Variety of #Tob2Tob Miles – how many different ways can you cover a mile? Must be self-propelled - driving not included!

• Best #Tob2Tob Pet Challenger – bring along your furry, feathery or scaly friends for company.

• Best Collective Team Effort – join up with your friends, family and colleagues to make a collective push across the Atlantic.

Good luck everyone! We look forward to seeing you how you get on and please use the #Tob2Tob hashtag if you post on social media to get the word out there.

We want you to have lots of fun when undertaking your challenge, however your safety is vitally important, so please ensure that you are fit to take part in any activity that you choose.

If you are undertaking your challenge on the water please follow the RNLI’s water safety guidance, alternatively if you planning to run your mile, check out running safety advice.

For general cycling guidance we’d recommend visiting https://www.cyclinguk.org/advice

The RNLI cannot accept liability for accidents or damage, even when that event or activity is run to raise money for the charity

RNLI Media Contacts

For further information, please contact

Dr Sam Jones, Tobermory RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager and Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer on 07747601900 or [email protected]

Martin Macnamara, Regional Media Officer (Scotland), 07920 365929 or [email protected]

Gemma McDonald, Regional Media Manager (Scotland), 07826 900639 or [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, Twitter 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.