The Long Row Home: RNLI couple embark on monumental circumnavigation of Britain

The pair left Wick Harbour on Saturday 1 June at 11am on their monumental journey raising funds in support of the RNLI and Scotland’s Charity Air Ambulance (SCAA).

The plan is to complete the challenge unassisted which means that, for the duration of the journey, they will not touch land or accept provisions. Everything that they need has been packed onboard their 7-metre rowing boat, including dehydrated food provisions and a desalination unit to make drinking water.

Allan and Mhairi have over 35 years of RNLI seagoing service between them. Allan, a full-time coxswain on the Wick lifeboat, and Mhairi, a paramedic with the Scottish Ambulance Service, also volunteers as a navigator with the RNLI.

Allan Lipp said: ‘This is a phenomenal experience that brings about a whole spectrum of emotions from the elation of spotting dolphins and making good time in a gentle breeze to the frustration at going nowhere and finding no shelter in a deep swell and confused sea.

‘We have been completely overwhelmed by the support that we’ve received to date. It is the thought of all the people that are behind us that keeps us going when times are tough. We have been encouraged by all the people we have seen along the way, including the lifeboat crews that have come out to say hello while on exercise.’

The journey is expected to take around 60 days to complete, covering 2000+ nautical miles.

The team have set a fundraising target of £30,000 which will be split equally between the RNLI and SCAA. They are already overwhelmed by the support they have received to date.

Since crossing the Thames Estuary last weekend, the couple have been making outstanding progress. They passed Eastbourne early this morning (Wednesday 26 June) and have now recorded over 620 nautical miles since leaving Wick in the north of Scotland on Saturday 1 June.

Not yet half way, £17,207 of their £30,000 target has already been raised from the many supporters tracking their progress.

You can follow and support Allan and Mhairi’s journey via social media, a podcast, and a live tracker on their website.

Notes to editors

· Long Row Home Facebook page:https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100089480973284

· Long Row Home Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stormyandsteth/

· For further information, please contact [email protected]

RNLI media contacts

For more information please email Hatti Mellor, RNLI Regional Communications Manager – South East Region, on [email protected] or Izzy Coley, RNLI Media Engagement Placement – South East Region, on [email protected] or telephone RNLI Press Office on 01202 336789.

RNLI at 200

On 4 March 2024, the RNLI celebrates 200 years of saving lives at sea – thanks to volunteers giving their time to save others, all funded by voluntary public donations. Throughout its 200^th anniversary year, the charity is running events and activities to commemorate its history, celebrate the lifesaving service it provides today, and inspire generations of future lifesavers and supporters. For more information visit RNLI.org/200.

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.