From Newcastle to New York in aid of Tynemouth RNLI
Leodhais Macpherson is running 128 marathons in 128 days, the equivalent distance from Newcastle to New York, in memory of his brother Conor who passed away in November 2018.
In 2018, Tynemouth RNLI lifeboats were called to a person who had entered the water. After over four hours of searching with three lifeboats, two helicopters and land based Coastguard teams, no one was found. This was the last time Conor was seen.
Conor’s brother Leodhais, is running to raise money for both the RNLI and the mental health charity If U Care Share Foundation.
Leodhais is planning to run 128 marathons in 128 days and he started his challenge on the 25 January 2025. This would give a total mileage of 3332 miles or the equivalent distance from Newcastle to New York, Conor’s favourite place in the world. Leodhais is planning on finishing on the 2 June 2025 which would have been Conor’s birthday.
James Waters, inshore lifeboat Helm at Tynemouth RNLI, said: 'I was part of the volunteer crew in 2018 that searched for Conor. It was difficult conditions with many waves bigger than our lifeboat, but we gave it our best to try and find him sadly to no avail. When Leodhais reached out to tell us what he was planning I was amazed by the sheer challenge he has set himself, but for two great charities that are fully deserving.'
Leodhais commented: 'I am incredibly thankful to the volunteer crews of Tynemouth RNLI for the work they did in search of my brother back in 2018. Every mile I run is for my brother, for those struggling silently, and for the families who know the pain of such a loss.'
You can donate to Leodhais’ challenge through his just giving page https://www.justgiving.com/team/ncl-to-nycRNLI Media contacts
For more information, please contact James Waters, RNLI volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer: [email protected]
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.