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St Bees RNLI visited by adventurous fundraisers

Lifeboats News Release

St Bees RNLI is proud to express its deepest gratitude to Belinda and James, the remarkable couple behind the RNLI 911 Challenge. Belinda and James visited St Bees RNLI on 23 August and were met by St Bees RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager Dick Beddows who gave them a tour of the lifeboat station.

RNLI/Joseph Raymond

Belinda and James arrived at St Bees RNLI station as part of the 911 Challenge

Beginning their epic journey at Morecambe Lifeboat Station on Friday 23 August, 2024, Belinda and James will be visiting all 238 RNLI lifeboat stations across the British Isles concluding their challenge at Peel Lifeboat Station (Isle of Man) on September 30, 2024. Their goal is to complete this ambitious feat within 911 hours, raising awareness and vital funds for the RNLI.

Driving their Porsche 911, affectionately named SPLASH, Belinda and James are not just covering over 8,500 miles and navigating 36 ferry crossings and four flights, but are also spreading a powerful message of support for the RNLI's volunteers. These volunteers; lifeboat crew, shore crew, lifeguards, fundraisers and water safety - dedicate themselves to saving lives at sea.

The RNLI 911 Challenge is more than just an adventurous road trip; it is a mission to raise enough funds to purchase a new D class lifeboat in celebration of the RNLI's 200th anniversary in 2024. This small yet powerful lifeboat is critical to the RNLI's operations, being involved in over 60% of all rescues.

The funds raised by Belinda and James, which have already surpassed £83,000, will contribute directly to the RNLI-911 Challenge 'D' Class Lifeboat Appeal, supporting the purchase of this essential piece of life-saving equipment. Belinda and James have a long-standing admiration for the RNLI, stemming from their experience as RIB (Rigid Inflatable Boat) owners on the Thames over 20 years ago.

St Bees RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager, Dick Beddows said:

'Belinda and James’s RNLI-911 Challenge is a shining example of how individuals can make a profound impact. Their dedication to visiting all 238 stations and their commitment to raising funds for a new lifeboat is both inspiring and humbling. Their visit to St Bees will be a significant moment for our team, and we are incredibly grateful for their support.'

Donations can be made online via the RNLI 911 Challenge website, with all proceeds going directly to the 'D' Class Lifeboat Appeal. Belinda and James’s journey can be followed in real-time on their website too, where supporters can track their progress, explore their itinerary, and learn more about the lifeboat stations they will visit.

The couple invites everyone to join them in their mission, whether by sponsoring a station, making a donation, or simply spreading the word about their challenge. As Belinda and James continue their epic adventure, St Bees RNLI sends them best wishes for a safe journey and thanks them once again for their incredible support of the RNLI and its life-saving mission.

Notes to editors

RNLI media contacts

For more information please contact, Joe Raymond RNLI volunteer Deputy Lifeboat Press Officer on 07912040216 or [email protected]

Alternatively you can contact Claire Fitzpatrick-Smith, Regional Communications Manager on [email protected] or 07977 728 315, or contact the RNLI Press Office on 01202 336789.

RNLI/Joseph Raymond

Gift presented to St Bees RNLI in celebration of 200 years of the RNLI

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.

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