Donate now

Eight-year-old runs 24 miles for Mudeford RNLI

Lifeboats News Release

Schoolboy Leo Saffery ran 24 miles in 24 days in support of the charity that saves lives at sea.

RNLI/Cheryl Saffery

Leo Saffery wearing his medal at Mudeford Quay

Last October the Saffery family from Salisbury visited Mudeford. They happened to be in the vicinity of the lifeboat station when the crew were on exercise. Seeing their interest in what was happening, Nick Johnston, one of the volunteer shore crew and tractor drivers, offered to take them around the station. He showed them the tractor and protective clothing worn by the boat crew, as well as telling them a little about the local history of the life boat, which started 60 years ago this year.

Leo was so inspired by his visit that he decided to take part in the virtual reindeer run to raise money for the charity. He ran 24 miles in 24 days in recognition of the fact that lifeboat volunteers respond to calls 24 hours a day. (The Reindeer Run is an annual fund-raising event for the RNLI in which people dress up in festive clothing, often including antlers, to raise money. There are organised runs across the country, but the virtual rum means people can take part wherever they live).

Recently, Nick, who carried out the original tour, was delighted to meet this amazing young man again when he came to show off his medal and share that he had raised an amazing £230.

Nick said how pleased he was to see Leo and his family again and said: 'It is always nice to take people round and tell them about the RNLI. I was so pleased that the visit had such an impact on Leo; may be he will be joining us as a member of the volunteer crew in the future. Well done, Leo. Thank you for your support!'

Media Contacts:

· Louise Adams, volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer, Mudeford RNLI (07776) 236300 [email protected]

· Paul Dunt, Regional Media Officer (South East), 0207 6207426, 07785 296252 [email protected]

· For enquiries outside normal business hours, contact the RNLI duty press officer on 01202 336789

RNLI/Cheryl Saffery

Leo Saffery and Nick Johnston on the tractor

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.

Categories