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Porthdinllaen RNLI take on rowing challenge for milestone birthdays

Lifeboats News Release

RNLI lifeboat crew from the Gwynedd station are to take on 55-nautical mile rowing challenge from Wicklow to Porthdinllaen to celebrate two special milestones in the RNLI’s history.

RNLI/Porthdinllaen

This Saturday, 13 July, the crew will take on the 55-nautical mile rowing challenge. They will be rowing a Pembrokeshire longboat, starting at Wicklow RNLI Lifeboat Station and finishing at Porthdinllaen RNLI Lifeboat Station.

The purpose of this challenge is to celebrate 160 years since the first lifeboat was stationed at Porthdinllaen as well as this year being 200 years since the RNLI was established.

Three teams of rowers will complete two-hour shifts on a rotation. The crew intend on setting off at 3am on Saturday morning. The 55 miles is expected to take the teams a gruelling 15 hours.

The crew are hoping to raise funds to contribute to the continuation of Porthdinllaen lifeboats’ lifesaving operations for another 160 years.

The community and local businesses have rallied together and collectively raised more nine thousand pounds in sponsorship.

Owain Williams, Coxswain at Porthdinllaen Lifeboat Station said:

‘We would like to say a massive thank you to all the companies that have sponsored us and made this challenge possible. The support from the community has showed that the RNLI’s one crew ethos is alive and well on the Llyn Peninsula.

‘This challenge will no doubt be tough, but it’s a great opportunity to celebrate our station’s 160th anniversary, as well as the charity’s bicentenary.

‘Hopefully the weather and conditions over the weekend will be kind to us for the row, and so the community can enjoy watching. We hope our efforts inspire a future generation of lifesavers.

‘We’re hoping to complete the row by around 6pm. We’re very much looking forward to celebrating with our supporters on arrival at the Ty Coch on Porthdinllaen Beach.’

To support the crew’s fundraising efforts, visit: Porthdinllaen RNLI is fundraising for RNLI - Royal National Lifeboat Institution (justgiving.com)

Alternatively, to donate directly to the RNLI, visit: Donate to the RNLI and help save lives at sea

Media Contacts

For more information, please contact Anya Walton Media Engagement Placement at [email protected] or call 07977468268. Alternatively, contact the RNLI Press Office at [email protected] or call 01202336789.

RNLI/Porthdinllaen

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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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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