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RNLI Penlee to host Reindeer Run on New Year’s Day to help save lives at sea

Lifeboats News Release

The RNLI is calling on the people of Cornwall to rock their best reindeer outfit whilst running, jogging or walking Penlee’s New Year’s Day Reindeer Run to support the charity’s volunteer crews to raise lifesaving funds for Penlee RNLI lifeboat.

RNLI.org/PenleeReindeer

RNLI Penlee Reindeer Run - New Year's Day

Across Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly (IOS), there are 15 lifeboat stations who are on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week throughout the whole year. In 2021 the volunteer crews across Cornwall and the IOS launched 507 times, aiding 564 people and saving the lives of 14 people.

To help keep the RNLI’s lifeboats at sea, the charity is calling on people across the county to get involved and join in a new fundraising event; The Penlee Reindeer Run. The run will start at Penlee lifeboat station in Newlyn, heading across the promenade to the Jubilee Pool in Penzance and returning to the lifeboat station, totalling 5km. Registration opens at 8:30am on the day with the event due to start at 10am.

Andy Bramwell, Community Manager for the South West says:

‘We hope this new event will put the fun in fundraising and become a great way for the local community to see in the New Year and raise vital money to support our volunteer crews. It’s a gentle, flat route so perfect for everyone, including those of you with new years resolutions. There will be a prize for the best reindeer costume however, flying reindeer will be disqualified as they should be resting after Christmas!’

Every time a lifeboat launches, the crew are determined to save every one. But they can’t do this without support from the public. Raising money through the Reindeer Run is a fun and festive way to get active, be a lifesaver and make a difference. It helps the RNLI recruit and train volunteers and fund the kit they need to protect themselves and save lives. 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 take part and join mascot ‘Rookie the Reindeer’ on New Year’s Day to raise funds for the charity. All those participating will receive a medal, with mince pies, hot drinks and water available during and after the race.

Runners must register and buy tickets for the event in advance (see link below) and are encouraged to raise as much as they can to help the RNLI continue to save lives at sea. Once registered, an online fundraising page will be automatically set up for you which can be personalised with a photo and message, and once shared with friends and family should help boost your fundraising.

Notes to editors

· More information on the event can be found here: https://rnli.org/support-us/raise-money/reindeer-run/events-near-you/2023/january/01/rnli-penlee-reindeer-run

· Sign up here: https://register.rnli.org/ps/event/RNLIPenleeReindeerRun?_ga=2.105701834.85032569.1667984513-705233712.1647262137

· If you have any queries about the event, please contact: [email protected] or [email protected]

RNLI media contacts

For media enquiries please contact Becky Bright, RNLI Media Engagement Placement (south west) on 07929 673281 or [email protected] or Emily Hazard, Regional Media Officer on 07866 064437 or [email protected]. Alternatively, please contact the RNLI Press Office 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.

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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