Porthdinllaen RNLI rowing challenge raises more than £14k for the charity
RNLI lifeboat crew from the Gwynedd station took on a 55-nautical mile rowing challenge from Wicklow to Porthdinllaen in celebration of two special milestones in the RNLI’s history.
On Saturday, (13 July), the crew set off from Wicklow RNLI at 2.50am and started their 55-nautical mile rowing challenge in a Pembrokeshire longboat.
The purpose of this challenge was 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.
The crew rowed 1.5-hour shifts which covered about five nautical miles each. Conditions were good throughout, however, the final two hours of the row were physically challenging, as the crew were rowing against the turned tide.
Just under 16 hours after departing Wicklow, at 6.50pm the crew arrived at Porthdinllaen where hundreds of supporters were waiting on the beach.
So far, the crew have raised over £14k, some as donations to their JustGiving page, as well as sponsorship from local companies. These funds will contribute to the continuation of Porthdinllaen lifeboats’ lifesaving operations for another 160 years.
Owain Williams, Coxswain at Porthdinllaen Lifeboat Station said:
‘I’m very proud of all the crew who took part in the row, a long hard day but it was well worth the effort. What a great way to celebrate our station’s 160th anniversary and the charity’s bicentenary.
‘The welcome we received on the beach at Porthdinllaen was amazing, it was wonderful to see the community come out to support us.
‘We would once again like to thank all the sponsors who made this possible. Also, a special mention to Wicklow RNLI for their hospitality.
‘On behalf of everyone at Porthdinllaen Lifeboat Station, thank you so much to everyone who has donated to our fundraising page. If you haven’t yet, it’s not too late to donate!’
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
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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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