Pedal for Appledore RNLI – a Sponsored Cycling Challenge

The Appledore RNLI Sponsored Cycling Challenge provides a COVID friendly method of fundraising for the RNLI whose funds have been severely hit over the last year. The work of the RNLI and its volunteers has continued 24/7 throughout the pandemic, yet many of the normal, ever popular methods of raising funds to pay for this charitable work, have not been possible.

Appledore RNLI is seeking cyclists of all abilities to register before Thursday 1 April for its sponsored cycling challenge which will take place between 2–30 April 2021. Participants simply select any distance between 25 and 500 miles they wish to cycle during the month, on any type of bicycle or exercise bike, get sponsorship and improve their fitness while supporting Appledore RNLI.

Pat Hughes, Chair, RNLI Appledore Guild said: “This is a great way to beat the lock-down blues whatever your age or cycling ability. Join lots of others and achieve your target distance by the end of April.

“The challenge is to achieve your target distance, whether this is by cycling a few miles a week or the full distance in one session. For example, the distance from Appledore Lifeboat Station to Ilfracombe Lifeboat Station is 25 miles which could take five separate sessions of five miles each to achieve. For the more ambitious the distance from Appledore Lifeboat Station to RNLI Headquarters in Poole is 100 miles.

“Whatever the distance, all competitors accepting the challenge must register in advance and no later than 1^st April.”

'Pedal packs’ and registration forms can be found online at https://rnli.org/Support-Us/Raise-Money/Register-Your-Event (if over 16) or by telephoning 01271 346569.

All participants who raise over £25 will receive a medal, over £100 an RNLI cap or over £200 an RNLI T-Shirt. Sponsorship information can be found on the Just Giving page at https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/pedalforappledorernli2021.

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.