Donate now

Mum and daughter duo take on the Great North Run for the RNLI

Lifeboats News Release

Jane McRae and her daughter, Largs RNLI volunteer, Claire are taking on the 13.1 mile Great North Run on Sunday.

Claire and Jane at Largs lifeboat station

RNLI/Claire McRae

Claire and Jane at Largs lifeboat station

The running duo have previously taken on several 10k races for the charity, with Largs RNLI volunteer Claire going on to run in several half marathon and marathon events without her mum.

Claire explained; ‘When mum and I started running we decided to fundraise for the RNLI, a charity which is very special to us both. I was surprised to discover so many people were unaware the RNLI is a charity and most of their people are volunteers. Since our first run I have become one of those volunteers myself at Largs RNLI.

‘Over the years mum and I have taken part in multiple running events together fundraising for the charity. I always enjoy running with mum, we can have a chat and sometimes a wee laugh as we run and enjoy celebrating on the finish line together.

‘When I started to run longer distances my mum said it wasn’t for her. She prefers the shorter distances and supporting me in my challenges. However, I managed to talk her into entering the ballot for this year’s Great North Run. I’m not sure if she considered what would happen if she actually got a place!’

Since finding out she had a place for the 13.1 mile run, the 66-year-old grandmother of four, Jane, has ramped up her training and the retired sales assistant feels ready for the challenge on Sunday.

Jane said; ‘I have always been really supportive of Claire’s running and enjoyed the challenge of the runs I have taken part in so far. I didn’t think I would ever be running this far!

‘The training has been challenging but good. Claire has ran with me for several of my training runs and we have a good plan for the event on Sunday. I am still feeling some nerves amongst the excitement!

‘I visited Largs lifeboat station on Wednesday evening with Claire to meet some of the crew before their training session. The RNLI has a special place in my heart, I can’t thank them enough for everything they do. This is my way of giving back to the charity. You never know when you might need the lifeboat and they rely on fundraising to allow them to continue saving lives at sea.’

Following the event on Sunday, Jane is looking forward to a well-earned rest before her next challenge, however Claire is going on to take part in the Loch Ness Marathon on October 1st.

Anyone who wishes to sponsor the pair can do so at: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/mcraerunning


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

RNLI online

For more information on the RNLI please visit rnli.org. News releases and other media resources, including RSS feeds, downloadable photos and video, are available at the RNLI News Centre rnli.org/news-and-media.

Jane and Claire standing with Largs lifeboat

RNLI/Claire McRae

Jane and Claire standing with Largs lifeboat

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