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Helm Dave becomes Whitstable RNLI Marathon Man

Lifeboats News Release

When it comes to support for the RNLI, Whitstable lifeboat Helm Dave Parry certainly has, and is still, putting considerable energy into serving and supporting the institution. After 12 years of applying, he has gained a place in the London Marathon, and will be running in the event later this month

Whitstable RNLI Helm Dave Parry who is running in this year's London Marathon.

RNLI/Chris Davey

Whitstable RNLI Helm Dave Parry who is running in this year's London Marathon.
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Dave (60) explained “My family and I had always supported the RNLI, so when we moved to Whitstable in 1991 I joined Whitstable lifeboat station, and served as shore crew, crew and now helm. I have also served as full time helm at Gravesend for 21 years, and now volunteer at that station, as well as continuing at Whitstable”.

“I took up running about 15 years ago, and have been up to watch the London Marathon on several occasions. My wife Helen ran in the 2023 event, and has been doing all my training runs with me and giving useful tips”.

Dave continued, “As I've had such a long association with the RNLI, it seemed fitting to use my marathon place to raise some money for this vital lifesaving service and I have set up a fundraising page: http://2025tcslondonmarathon.enthuse.com/pf/dave-parry and I'd be really grateful for any donations in support of the RNLI and its continuing role of saving lives at sea”.

The 2025 London Marathon will be taking place on Sunday, April 27th. This year's marathon will mark the 45th year as it first started in 1981 and no doubt all at Whitstable RNLI and the stations supporters will be cheering Dave on and wishing him well!



Notes to editors

  • Whitstable RNLI Lifeboat Station was established in 1963 by the Royal National Lifeboat Institution and is one of 237 lifeboat stations around the shores of the UK and Ireland. The volunteer crews provide a maritime search and rescue service for the Kent coast. They cover the area between the Kingsferry Bridge on the Swale, in the west, around the south-eastern side of Sheppey and along the coast through Whitstable and Herne Bay to Reculver in the east and outwards into the Thames Estuary.

  • The station is equipped with an Atlantic 85 lifeboat named Lewisco, purchased through a bequest of a Miss Lewis of London who passed away in 2006.

  • She is what is known as a rigid inflatable inshore lifeboat, the boat’s rigid hull being topped by an inflatable sponson. She carries a crew of four people.

RNLI media contacts

  • Chris Davey, Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer, Whitstable Lifeboat Station.
    07741 012004/     [email protected]

  • Julie Rainey - Regional Communications Lead : 07827 358256

  • Hatti Mellor - Regional Communications Manager :07724 801305

For enquiries outside normal business hours, contact the RNLI duty press officer on 01202 336789



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, X, TikTok 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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