The Scarborough RNLI Lyke Wake Walk challenge: Was it worth it? Yes, it was!

It is not the first time that Scarborough RNLI crew members have taken part in tough fundraising challenges. However, this could have been one of the most arduous challenges they have undertaken. It was a shining example of how the Scarborough RNLI crew trust and depend on each other - either on land or when at sea.

The team faced some terrible conditions overnight as the stereotypical British weather didn't hold back - rain, wind, darkness, bogs and muddy terrain. That said, they crossed the finishing line at 12:59 on Saturday 22 July 2023. They completed it in 20 hours and 59 minutes, three hours and one minute faster than their initial 24-hour goal.

Paul Dixon, RNLI lifeboat crew member, commented during one of the team’s overnight video updates: 'If you are just tuning and wondering what this crazy madness is, we aren't just walking across the Lyke Wake Walk in the middle of the night for fun… we are doing this to raise funds for our [lifeboat] station, so we can carry on saving lives at sea and raise vital funds.’

The donations received by the station’s generous supporters will enable Scarborough RNLI to continue their vital work to save lives at sea. Examples of how this money could be used include purchasing any of the following:

• Drysuit for an ILB crew member (£804),

• Thermal suit for an ILB crew member (£230),

• Helly Hansen layered clothing and boots for an ALB crew member (£1500*),

• Lifejacket (£590),

• Helmet (£350),

• Seagoing gloves (£25).

*(RRP, discounts negotiated where possible)

Alternatively, the average cost for training an individual crew member per year is approximately £1400. The £3757 raised by the selfless courage, determination and resilience of the Lyke Wake Walk team will make a huge difference to enable the station’s crew to continue to save lives at sea.

'Congratulations and well done to everyone who completed the Lyke Wake Walk overnight challenge and thank you to everyone who supported the team through their generous donations. Until the next challenge …'

Notes to editors

• Scarborough RNLI has been operating since 1801 and is one of the oldest stations in the United Kingdom still in operation. To learn more about the lifeboat station go to: https://rnli.org/find-my-nearest/lifeboat-stations/scarborough-lifeboat-station.

• If this has inspired others to fundraise for the RNLI, several event suggestions are available at https://rnli.org/support-us/raise-money/fundraising-ideas

RNLI Photo credits

Primary photo 'Scarborough RNLI Lyke Wake Walk 2023 team' to be credited to RNLI/ Phil C.

All other photos to be credited to RNLI/ Paul Dixon.

RNLI media contacts

For more information please telephone Laura Lyth, RNLI volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer on 01723 360520 or [email protected] or Clare Hopps, Regional Media Officer on 07824 518641 or [email protected] or contact the RNLI Press Office on 01202 336789.