Littlehampton and Basingstoke RNLI top UK fundraisers for RNLI

The branches, which raise vital funds for the RNLI’s 24/7 search and rescue lifeboat service and seasonal lifeguard service, ran and cycled a combined 302 miles during May, in aid of the RNLI’s annual appeal.

Kate Stones, who is Basingstoke RNLI Fundraising Branch Chair, Cian Mathews, who is Chairperson of Littlehampton RNLI’s fundraising branch, and Padhraig Murphy, from Littlehampton RNLI’s fundraising branch, completed their final mile together at Littlehampton RNLI Lifeboat Station on 29 May.

Cian said: ‘The Mayday campaign was a huge success for team Littlehampton and Basingstoke, and superbly demonstrates what can be achieved by partnering shore-based branches with in-land fundraising branches. I look forward to working with Basingstoke Fundraising Branch again in the future. I would also like to thank our fantastic supporters. They have helped us raise a terrific sum of money, for which we are all incredibly grateful. Their donations will help to ensure that the RNLI can continue to save lives at sea.’

Kate added: ‘It was a pleasure to complete our Mayday challenge together. As we finished, the crew of Littlehampton RNLI returned from a training exercise. Seeing them made all the early morning runs with achy legs worthwhile.’

The RNLI’s annual Mayday fundraising campaign raises funds to keep lifesavers kitted and trained to deal with emergencies – so that they can save lives at sea. To find out more, visit: https://rnli.org/mayday

ENDS

RNLI media contacts

Beth Brooks, Deputy Lifeboat Press Officer, Littlehampton RNLI 07544 209256 [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

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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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.