Largs RNLI’s Claire takes on the 2023 London Marathon

Claire has been running races to fundraise for the RNLI since 2013, and this year’s London Marathon will be her 10^th marathon for the charity. Over the years she has raised thousands of pounds and this year hopes to raise even more for the RNLI.

As a volunteer at Largs RNLI Claire has seen first hand the vital work the charity does, and she is passionate about helping to save lives at sea. Raising money for the RNLI has always been a driving force behind her dedication to running. Propelling her to complete numerous races in countries around the world for the charity.

Claire explained; ‘I’m really looking forward to this year’s London Marathon, it’s always an amazing experience, and knowing I am raising money for such a great cause makes it even more special. The RNLI is a charity that is very close to my heart and I’m proud to support its work through my running.’

The Academic Leader for Computing and Digital Technologies at New College Lanarkshire has been training hard for the marathon, managing to squeeze in long hours of running between her full time job and volunteer roles to prepare for the gruelling 26.2 mile race.

As she counts down the final days before taking on the roads of London Claire is also encouraging others to get involved in fundraising for the charity; ‘This year the RNLI are asking supporters to raise money for RNLI lifesavers by completing a mile a day, any way you like, during the month of May. That’s 31 miles across the 31 days of the month.

‘Fundraising is a fantastic way to make a difference, it’s a great feeling to know that you are helping others, and it’s also a lot of fun.’

Claire is looking forward to crossing the finish line on Sunday knowing that she has made a difference in allowing the RNLI continue saving lives at sea.

To donate to Claire’s fundraising efforts for this challenge her sponsorship page is: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/mcraerunning

If you would like to find out more about taking part in the Mayday Mile visit the website: https://rnli.org/mayday/mayday-mile

Notes to editors

RNLI media contacts

Claire McRae, Lifeboat Press Officer, 07738681546, [email protected]

Brian Rankin, Lifeboat Press Officer, 07810862468, [email protected]

Natasha Bennett, RNLI Regional Media Officer for Scotland, 07826 900639, [email protected]

Martin Macnamara, RNLI Regional Media Manager for Scotland, 07920 365929, [email protected]

RNLI Press Office, 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.