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Dubs run to the Hun for Hunstanton RNLI

Lifeboats News Release

Iconic campers joined classic Volkswagens of all shapes and sizes on a run to raise funds for the charity that saves lives at sea.

RNLI/Chris Bishop

Stormy Stan welcomes Chris Marshal from the Anglia Dub Hub, whose members took part in a run to Hunstanton to raise funds for the RNLI
More than 100 'Dubs drove in convoy up the coast road from King's Lynn, before pitching up on the seafront at Hunstanton.

Hunstanton RNLI's Stormy Stan was on hand to welcome the Run to the Hun, by members of the Anglia Dub Hub.

Chris Marshall, who was one of the organisers, rolled up in his vintage VW T4 and also brought along a Beetle.

He said: 'I'm into water sports, I'm in the sailing club here and a lot of people who own VWs are into water sports, so it's great to help the RNLI.'

Jen Dormer, who drove her T4 called The Bear all the way from Baldock in Hertfordshire to join the run, was selling RttH (Run to the Hun) 2024 souvenir stickers for the RNLI.

'Hertfordshire's landlocked but we adore the coast like a lot of people,' she said. 'You never know when you might need the RNLI.'

Local kite surfer Louise Edge, whose VW T5 was also at the gathering, said: 'I have a lot of friends who have either been rescued or helped by them.'

Mike Gould, one of the deputy launching authorities (DLAs) at Hunstanton RNLI, said: 'It's wonderful to see so many people coming together for the community and to support the local lifeboats which is very much appreciated.

'We as a crew wanted to be here to show our support for what they're doing.'


Editor's notes

Pics attached of the 'Dubs you can download. Credit: RNLI/Chris Bishop.

This year marks the 200th anniversary of both the founding of a lifeboat service at Hunstanton and the founding of the RNLI, whose work would not be possible without donations from its supporters..

Since Hunstanton's current station opened in 1979, its inshore lifeboat Spirit of West Norfolk and her predecessors have helped save 140 lives and render assistance to more than 600 people who found themselves in difficulty or in danger.

In 2003, she was joined by the hovercraft Hunstanton Flyer, which has since then been launched 250 times, saved 13 lives and assisted a further 150 people.

The station is one of just four around the coastline who operate a hovercraft.

RNLI media contacts

For more information please call Chris Bishop, Hunstanton RNLI volunteer Deputy Lifeboat Press Officer on 07584 147219 or Clare Hopps, Regional Media Officer on 07824 518641.

RNLI/Chris Bishop

Stormy Stan with some of the classic VW campers which took part in the Run to the Hun

RNLI/Chris Bishop

Jen Dormer with one of the Run to the Hun stickers she made to commemorate the event

RNLI/Chris Bishop

From left Joy Roberts, Henry Craven, Louise Edge, Stormy Stan and Sue Piggins at the Run to the Hun

RNLI/Chris Bishop

From left Joy Roberts, Henry Craven, Stormy Stan, Sue Piggins and Jeff Wooldridge from Hunstanton RNLI at the Run to the Hun

RNLI/Chris Bishop

Some of the many VWs which took part in the Run to the Hun

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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