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RNLI – 911 challenge reaches Longhope, Orkney on 6 September 2024

Lifeboats News Release

On Friday, 6 September 2024, Belinda and James visited Longhope Lifeboat Station as part of their mission to visit all 238 lifeboat stations in the British Isles and Ireland in their Porsche 911, in 911 hours.

RNLI/Christine Campbell

Members of Longhope Lifeboat's volunteer crew with 'Splash'

In celebration of the 200th anniversary of the RNLI, Belinda and James, a recently retired couple from London, have undertaken the challenge of driving clockwise around the British Isles and Ireland, including the Shetland Islands, Orkney, the Outer and Inner Hebrides, Isle of Man, Isles of Scilly, Isle of Wight, Alderney, Guernsey, and Jersey, in their Porsche 911, affectionately named ‘Splash’. The couple aims to complete this journey in 911 hours, covering over 8,500 miles, boarding 36 ferries, and taking four flights.

Their journey began at 9:11 a.m. on 23 August 2024, when they departed from RNLI Morecambe. On 6 September, they arrived in Longhope, where they were warmly welcomed by some of the station’s volunteer crew members. Belinda and James plan to finish their challenge by 9:11 a.m. on 30 September 2024, when they aim to reach RNLI Peel on the Isle of Man.

Belinda and James' mission is twofold:

1. To raise awareness of the RNLI, a unique organisation run by volunteers whose sole purpose is to "save lives at sea."

2. To raise funds through sponsorship and donations to purchase a Relief ‘D’ Class Lifeboat in celebration of the RNLI's 200th anniversary in 2024.

To date, they have raised over £83,000!


Belinda and James say, We have been big fans of the RNLI since owning a RIB on the Thames over 20 years ago. Although we are not connected to the RNLI we are humbled by this unique organisation's 6,500 volunteers; be they boat crews, shore crew, lifeguards or fundraisers and wish to put our 'new found freedom' to good use in supporting their gallant efforts by raising funds for a 'relief' 'D' Class Lifeboat. And we get to drive to some of the most beautiful and diverse coastline around the UK and Ireland in our Challenge car named 'SPLASH’’.

Volunteer crew member, Alan Mackinnon, stated, ‘It was great to meet James and Belinda. The porsche is unique and adorned with RNLI regalia and the many sponsors for this amazing challenge. I would urge everyone to support this couple, and we wish them well in their remarkable adventure.’

To find out more about the RNLI-911 challenge, and to see how you could help, visit Belinda and James’ website at www.rnli-911challenge.co.uk

Notes to editors

· Longhope lifeboat station has been operating since 1874 and celebrates its 150th anniversary in 2024. To learn more about the lifeboat station go to: Longhope Lifeboat Station (rnli.org)

RNLI media contacts

Vicky Mackinnon, Lifeboat Press Officer, 07703 688066, [email protected]

Natasha Bennett, RNLI Regional Communications Manager for Scotland, 07826 900639, [email protected]

Tom McGuire, RNLI Regional Communications Manager for Scotland and Ireland, 00353 87 476 4436, [email protected]

Martin Macnamara, RNLI Regional Communications Lead for Scotland, 07920 365929, [email protected]

RNLI Press Office, 01202 336789

RNLI-911 Challenge website

Map of Route

RNLI/Christine Campbell

Belinda and James in Splash

RNLI/Alan Mackinnon

Splash with RNLB Helen Comrie in the background

RNLI/Alan Mackinnon

Members of Longhope's Volunteer crew with Splash

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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