
Running to All South East Coast RNLI Lifeboat Stations - and the Thames Four
Emma Kirwin of Littlehampton set off on a 350 mile challenge from Teddington RNLI Lifeboat station today.
The next six months will see her run between each of the 24 South East Coast RNLI stations (including the Isle of Wight), as well as the four located along the Thames. Having set off from Teddington, her first stretch will take her along the river to Chiswick lifeboat station and then Tower Bridge where she will rest overnight. The next day will take her to Gravesend, and Sheerness and onwards before ending her feat at Mudeford in Dorset.
Emma was inspired to undertake the challenge having lived in Littlehampton for 16 years and as a regular visitor to her local lifeboat station.
She said, ‘Every time I visit I'm overwhelmed by everyone’s kindness, commitment and dedication and feel great admiration for the all the volunteers. As I visit each station, I hope to gain an understanding of the many different RNLI roles and the incredible part they play within our communities. I want to help raise funds for and awareness of the teams, roles and extensive training required to be part of the incredible RNLI crew within a station.”
Lifeboat Operations Manager Matt Allchurch and members of the Teddington RNLI Lifeboat Station gathered to see Emma on her way. He said, ‘I am always amazed at the challenges that others undertake in order to raise funds for the RNLI. People like Emma are important in keeping us afloat, helping to save lives at sea and on our rivers.”
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· If you are interested in volunteering with the RNLI, visit https://rnli.org/support-us/volunteer/how-you-can-volunteer
· The RNLI is a charity and is funded wholly by donations and legacies
· In 2022 the Teddington crew attended 105 calls and was attributed with saving four lives.
RNLI media contacts
For more information please telephone Gianna Saccomani, RNLI Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer on 07798905515 or [email protected] or Grace Palmieri, RNLI Deputy Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer on 07855487508 or [email protected] , or Paul Dunt, Regional Media Officer on 07785 296252 [email protected] or 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.