Sale man tackles Father’s Day challenge for RNLI crew who came to fathers aid
This Father’s Day, Matt Dixon from Sale will be preparing to complete the National 3 Peaks Challenge on 25 June in aid of Tenby RNLI. The ambitious challenge is to honour his father Robert Dixon, an experienced climber who sadly passed away after a fall in 2000 despite the efforts of RNLI volunteers
As part of a series of challenges to raise money for the RNLI, on 25 June, Matt and some eager friends will be taking part in a world wind tour of the UK which will see them climb the three highest peaks in the UK – Ben Nevis, Snowdon and Sca Fell Pike – in under 24 hours.
Having completed the Pembrokeshire coastal path, ending at Tenby RNLI Lifeboat Station, last year to mark the 20th anniversary of his father’s passing, Matt has already completed the Great North Swim this month following the lifting of COVID-19 restrictions. Following the completion of the National Three Peaks Challenge, he will also be walking the entirety of the Cornwall South coastal path and taking part in the London Marathon in October.
Matt says:
‘Despite only being 13 years of age when my father passed away, he instilled in me a love of the outdoors for which was a passion for him all his life. Our trip together that weekend had been amazing and one I cherish enjoying all of the great outdoor activities the coast can offer. We would often visit the lifeboat stations when making trips to the coast to see the launches, my dad explaining the valued work the RNLI did, not knowing the role they would have directly in my life at that time.
I know my dad would love to be joining me on the challenges I am undertaking in his memory, it is a fact which makes me proud to be continuing his love of adventure.’
Matt’s support from his friends has been exceptional and he credits the support, contribution and willingness to accompany him on his tough challenges to his ability to continue to raise money for the RNLI. Distance or geography is no barrier to this support with one friend participating virtually all the way from Singapore. Jonathon Drakes, Matt’s close friend originally from Nottingham, has been completing his own equivalent challenges, for example, completing the elevation of the three Yorkshire Peaks whilst contending with the additional challenge of Singapore’s humidity and heat.
Matt has raised £4,445 amount so far but anyone wishing to contribute to his total or find out more about his efforts can here: www.dixonrnlichallenge.com
Phil John, coxswain at Tenby Lifeboat station said:
‘From everyone at Tenby RNLI, we want to say a massive thank you to Matt for all his fundraising efforts. It’s been amazing how he’s willing to honour his father’s memory. Best of luck Matt, you’ll be welcome at Tenby lifeboat station once it’s safe to do so.’
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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 over 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and, in a normal year, 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 143,000 lives.
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.
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