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Port Talbot RNLI volunteers raise over £2800 in 24 hour walk

Lifeboats News Release

In August, three volunteer crew at the RNLI Port Talbot undertook a 24 hour walk up and down the three mile promenade at Aberavon seafront in full life saving kit which weighed in at hefty 21lb.

RNLI/Kirstee David

Captain Beany opening the challenge and wishing the crew well

The challenge started at 1pm on Saturday 27 August at the lifeboat station, the team continued walking throughout the night until they completed their challenge at 1pm on Sunday 28 August with over 60 miles walked.


Crew member Damian Hill said: 'I wanted to highlight that the RNLI is a charity that saves lives at sea 24/7. By wearing a full kit throughout the challenge we hope that it demonstrated our commitment to the lifesaving service that we provide’.


Fellow crew member Gareth Kehoe said: ‘I wanted to undertake a challenge to try to raise much needed funds for the RNLI and to raise awareness of the RNLI and our station within the local community. I personally would like to thank the public, my employer and all those that sponsored us without which the challenge would not have been possible’


The team were kept company throughout their challenge by the support of the public, friends, family and members of the crew. Fellow local fundraiser Captain Beany joined the challenge to officially get the crew on their way and Stormy Stan made an appearance to spread some cheer


The Spar Aberavon based on Dalton Road just across from the RNLI lifeboat station kindly donated £150 worth of refreshments for those undertaking the challenge which gave them a much needed boost.


Sunday saw the station host a table top sale with books, teddy tombola and a cakes for donations to help mark the end of the challenge.


RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager Clive Morris said: ‘I would like to thank Gareth and Damien for undertaking this 24 hour walking challenge. The challenge took a lot of effort and determination’. I wish to extend my thanks to the local community and businesses who supported and donated prior and during the event. An amazing £2,858.62 was raised over the challenge which will go towards saving lives at sea.


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 142,700 lives.




RNLI/Kirstee David

Damian and Gareth four hours into the walk

RNLI/Kirstee David

Stormy Stan providing entertainment and support

RNLI/Kirstee David

Refreshments provided by Dalton Road Spar

RNLI/Kirstee David

Challenge complete

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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