Former Royal Marine tackling marathon while pulling a Land Rover to raise money
At 9am on Saturday 6 August, former Royal Marine John Di Benedetto will begin his challenges to raise money for the RNLI at Tynemouth Longsands beach.
John will undertake a 10 mile run carrying a fake-casualty on a stretcher, then a 1km swim, then a 1km commando crawl. The personal training business owner of Tactical 47 will then move to pulling a Land Rover for 26 miles – the length of a marathon.
John will be undertaking the extreme fitness event for charity with three friends; Neil Drew, Andrew Longstaff and Lee Morrison. John is no stranger to extreme challenges and has previously carried a telegraph pole in the name of the Three Peaks.
The four decided to challenge themselves in the name of mental health and are raising money for both Mental Health UK and the RNLI.
John said: ‘We want to raise awareness for these two amazing charities, the RNLI and Mental Health UK. I think this is a great way to do it.
'It’s all about mental fortitude and challenging your mind. I believe in constantly challenging yourself and getting out of your comfort zone.’
Lifeguard Supervisor Sean Mills thanked the former Marine for his fundraising efforts: ‘We are always exceptionally happy when people decide to fundraise for the RNLI. It’s great to see a local man taking on a challenge to support his local community.
'The RNLI relies on donations to carry on its lifesaving service across the UK.’
If you’ve been inspired by John’s fundraising campaign and wish to raise money for the RNLI yourself, please visit: How To Raise Money For Charity - Find Out With The RNLI
Notes to editors
John Di Benedetto will be carrying an RNLI donation bucket on the day at Tynemouth Longsands beach. The event is open to those who wish to attend.
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For more information, please contact Derry Salter, RNLI Media Engagement Placement on: 07890 402106 or email: [email protected]
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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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