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Ben Preston’s 1000mile RNLI challenge on 14 July 2024

Lifeboats News Release

Puriton resident Ben Preston has set himself the challenge of riding his Triumph motorbike for 1,000 miles in 24 hours.

Ben Preston with his Triumph motorcycle

RNLI/Ben Preston

Ben Preston with his Triumph motorcycle

He has undertaken this challenge once before for another charity and really enjoyed the challenge of covering such a distance in so short a time.

Ben’s wife is a volunteer at the Burnham-on-Sea RNLI shop, and knowing what great work all the volunteers do in the charity, is what sparked him to take on this challenge. When he is not riding his motorbike he works for the South Western Ambulance Service. Ben’s proposed target is £200, but it would be great to raise more

Prospective sponsors can access his just giving web page on: https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/benjamin-preston-1, or pop into the Burnham-on-Sea RNLI shop, where there is a sponsorship form

Ben says; ‘I would like to raise money for our local lifeboat station at Burnham-on-sea. These volunteers go out in all weather's to help those who fall victim to the harsh seas and surrounding coastline. They never know what they are going to face when they get there or who they are going to rescue. Each vital penny goes to equipping the crew, running the boats and all the behind the scenes work that takes place.

To raise these vital funds on the 14th July I will take part in a minimum distance of riding my motorcycle 1000 miles in 24 hours. This is a certified ride by the Iron Butt Association UK and will have a record of all stops to ensure mileage is met. My planned route is from Burnham-on-Sea RNLI lifeboat station to RNLI at Loch Ness, and back again.’


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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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.