
Porsche 911 fundraisers arrive at Barry Dock Lifeboat Station
Barry Dock lifeboat station welcomed Belinda and James Richardson as they continued their extraordinary journey to visit all 238 RNLI lifeboat stations across the UK and Ireland.
Travelling in Belinda's Porsche 911, the pair have set themselves the ambitious goal of completing the entire journey in just 911 hours, raising £83,000 so far towards their target of funding a 'relief' D class Lifeboat for the charity.
They began their journey at exactly 9:11am on 23 August 2024 and are aiming to finish by 9:11am on 30 September 2024. By the time they complete the challenge, they would have driven over 8,500 miles, boarded 36 ferries, and taken four flights.
During their stop at Barry Dock, Belinda and James delivered a pack of Top Trumps Top Shouts playing cards and a 200th anniversary jigsaw puzzle, both of which are part of their efforts to engage supporters with the RNLI’s critical mission. Volunteers and crew at Barry Dock warmly welcomed the pair and showed them around the new lifeboat station and even newer Shannon lifeboat.
The couple’s Porsche 911 has become a symbol of their incredible commitment, drawing attention from both RNLI teams and the public at each stop along their journey. While Barry Dock was just one stop among many, the funds raised through this challenge will go directly toward purchasing a 'relief' D class Lifeboat, ensuring that the RNLI continues to be equipped to save lives at sea.
With more stations still to visit, Belinda and James’s remarkable challenge continues as they race to complete their journey within the 911-hour deadline.
ENDS
Notes to Editors:
• The RNLI (Royal National Lifeboat Institution) is a charity that 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 is celebrating its 200th anniversary in 2024, commemorating two centuries of lifesaving work since its foundation in 1824.
• More information on the 911 Challenge can be found at RNLI-911 CHALLENGE
For further information, please contact:
Lisa Newberry, Lifeboat Press Officer, Barry Dock Lifeboat Station, 07977 922889
Alternatively, you can contact Claire Fitzpatrick-Smith, Regional Communications Manager on [email protected] or 07977 728315, or contact the RNLI Press Office on 01202 336789.
RNLI online
For more information, please visit the RNLI website or Facebook and YouTube. News releases, videos and photos are available on the RNLI News Centre.
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 over 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and, in a normal year, 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.
RNLI at 200
On 4 March 2024 (RNLI’s 200th anniversary) and throughout the year, 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 200th 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.
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.