Littlehampton couple respond to the RNLI’s Mayday call

Proudly holding her certificate for raising £15.55 almost exactly 33 years ago Belinda, known as Bea who volunteers as shore crew, and her partner Ian, who is one of Littlehampton lifeboat station’s boat crew, are aiming to raise £515.55 between them (£500 plus the £15.55 she raised in 1988). Bea will be running 5km in addition to a 100 mile cycle ride with Ian, their destination being HMS Victory in Portsmouth marking the halfway turning point.

Whilst being photographed in front of Littlehampton lifeboat station’s inshore lifeboat Ray of Hope Bea noted the fact that she did a sponsored walk in 1988, but this time she will be running and cycling together with other fundraisers. If there’s enough support she is also considering a sea swim to turn these exploits in to her own triathlon.

Bea and Ian have set up a JustGiving page for their RNLI Mayday fundraising:

https://themaydaymile.rnli.org/fundraising/rnli-team-littlehampton

and encourage others to join them on their quest. Anyone can raise money for the RNLI throughout May by creating their own events @maydaymile.

Hannah Presgrave, RNLI Community Manager and Littlehampton lifeboat crew member, said of the Mayday fundraising campaign:

“Across the South-East there are walks, runs and cycle events being organised as part of the Mayday fundraising initiative. 29 May at 10.00 the Littlehampton shore and boat crews, fellow volunteers and many of our supporters will take part in a 5km run. There are also other events running throughout the month. It’s incredible that Bea has held on to her certificate from 1988 and we’ll be running together supporting the RNLI’s charity event.”

ENDS

RNLI media contacts

Anthony Fogg, Deputy Lifeboat Press Officer, Littlehampton RNLI 07823 509032 [email protected]

Paul Dunt, Regional Media Officer, London and South East 07785 296252 [email protected]

For enquiries outside normal business hours contact the RNLI duty press officer on 01202 336789

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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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