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Help the RNLI save lives at sea in the Dorset and Hampshire Reindeer Run

Lifeboats News Release

The RNLI is calling on the people of Dorset and Hampshire to grab their antlers and lace up their hooves this Christmas to support the charity’s volunteer crews in their mission to save every one in danger of drowning.

Photo of a crew member in kit taking part in a previous year's run.

RNLI

The Reindeer Run is a fantastic way to help Save Lives at Sea.

There are twelve RNLI lifeboat stations across the two counties and last year the volunteer crews there launched 801 times, came to the aid of 722 people and saved 12 lives. That means lifeboats across the region are launching more than twice every single day – something that’s only possible because of the donations made to the charity by supporters and fundraisers.

To help keep the RNLI’s lifeboats at sea, the charity is calling on people to get involved and join in its annual Reindeer Run at Moors Valley Country Park and Forest on the Dorset/Hampshire border on Sunday 28 November.

Every time an RNLI crew launches, they are determined to save every one. But they can’t do it without support from the public. Raising money through the Reindeer Run is a fun and festive way to get active and be a lifesaver. It helps the RNLI recruit and train volunteers and fund the kit they need to protect themselves. It helps ensure a lifeboat is ready when the call comes, and it helps deliver water safety advice far and wide.

It’s hoped hundreds of people will don a pair of antlers or festive attire and join mascot Rookie the Reindeer to raise funds for the charity. All those participating will receive a medal. Runners, who must register and buy tickets for the event in advance (see below), are encouraged to raise sponsorship which will go towards saving lives on the water.

Guy Addington, RNLI Water Safety Lead for the area, said: ‘The Reindeer Run is more important than ever this year. We always have to be ready in case the pagers go at Christmas, but it’s a big boost to know the Reindeer runners have been giving their support at this busy time of year to help ensure we can launch.

‘It can be hard on our family and friends if we disappear halfway through Christmas dinner, but the sea and the dangers it can bring never takes a holiday, so nor can we. Fundraising events are our own call for help, as we rely on the generosity of the public to fund our rescues and kit that helps keep the crews safe when they risk their lives for others.’

The Moors Valley Country Park and Forest run starts from 9am and has three different distances 10k, 5k and 1k. To register please visit RNLI.org/ReindeerRun and click on ‘events near you’.

RNLI Media Contacts:

For more information please call Paul Dunt, RNLI Regional Media Officer, on (07785) 296252 [email protected] or Julie Rainey, RNLI Regional Media Manager on (07827) 358256

RNLI online

For more information on the RNLI please visit rnli.org. News releases and other media resources, including RSS feeds, downloadable photos and video, are available at the RNLI News Centre rnli.org/news-and-media.

Key facts about the RNLI

The RNLI is the charity that saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around Ireland and the UK. The RNLI operates 46 lifeboat stations in Ireland. The RNLI is independent of government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service.

Since the RNLI was founded in 1824, the charity has saved over 142,200 lives.

Photo of a male runner at a previous year's event.

RNLI

There are three different lengths of runs to choose from.

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.

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