
Astonishing vintage car journey raises £6,510 for the RNLI
Longhope RNLI and Abersoch RNLI linked by intrepid supporters.
Martyn and Helen Hudson started their extraordinary journey on 15 September at Abersoch RNLI Lifeboat Station in Wales. The duo travelled in a very splendid 1914 Sunbeam 12/16 hp, affectionately called Mildred, via Ireland, to Longhope RNLI.
It took the adventurous couple 13 days to reach Longhope RNLI and fulfil their dream.
Having close connections to the sea and the RNLI, Martyn and Helen decided to use their journey as an RNLI fundraising opportunity. With the aid of a lifeboat collecting bucket attached to the car’s running board and the online social platform JustGiving, they very successfully achieved their aim raising a magnificent £6,510.
Travelling about 1000 miles they arrived at Longhope. After an emotional visit to Longhope Lifeboat Museum, Martyn and Helen set off again to complete their mission, a visit to Longhope RNLI Lifeboat station.
Here they were greeted by Coxswain Scott Johnston and other volunteer crew members. To our great surprise the station was presented with a framed photo of Abersoch RNLI lifeboat in action. How splendid that the two stations have been linked by this incredible journey.
A spokesperson for Longhope RNLI says: 'We would like to sincerely thank Martyn and Helen and all the folk who so generously donated to their very worthy cause; the charity that saves lives at sea.'
Notes to editors
Longhope lifeboat station has been operating since 1874. To learn more about the lifeboat station go to: https://rnli.org/find-my-nearest/lifeboat-stations/longhope-lifeboat-station
RNLI media contacts
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.
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