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Leodhais Macpherson completes 128 marathons in 128 days in aid of the RNLI

Lifeboats News Release

Leodhais Macpherson has completed a mammoth 128 marathons in 128 days - the equivalent of running from Newcastle to New York – in memory of his brother Conor who passed away in 2018.

Sean Evans Photos

Leodhais Macpherson with RNLI crew members

After starting on 25 January 2025, Leodhais completed the challenge when he crossed the finish line at Tynemouth Prior, North Tyneside, on Monday 2 June, the day Conor would have turned 28.

The distance, which totalled 3,332 miles, is the equivalent distance between Newcastle and New York, the place where Conor dreamed of living but unfortunately never got the chance.

In November 2018, Tynemouth RNLI lifeboat crew were called to a person who had entered the water. Crews searched for nearly five hours with three lifeboats and two helicopters, but Conor’s body was never recovered.

A memorable day was made even more special for Leodhais when he proposed to his partner Jaimie at the finish line, and everybody at the RNLI would like to wish the happy couple all the best for the future.

Leodhais set out to raise £10,000 for the RNLI and the If U Care Share foundation but smashed that total and has raised over £70,000 for the two charities so far.

As a show of appreciation for his fundraising efforts, RNLI crew members from Tynemouth and Cullercoats joined Leodhais for part of his 128th and final marathon.

James Waters, D-class helm at Tynemouth RNLI, said: ‘It’s been awe-inspiring to follow Leodhais’ journey in completing these 128 marathons, and to take part in the final one was a privilege.’

‘I was part of the crew, alongside Cullercoats RNLI, in 2018 who searched for Conor. The conditions were difficult, but we stayed out for nearly five hours searching for him, sadly to no avail.

‘Leodhais has been inspiring us at the station, we’ve now set up our own running club amongst the crew! We look forward to being able to invite him down soon so we can thank him for his fundraising efforts.’

Leodhais documented his fundraising efforts via his TikTok page which can be found here - https://www.tiktok.com/@leodhaismacpherso

Media contacts

For more information, please contact Adam Cleary on [email protected] or contact the RNLI Press Office on [email protected] or 01202 336789

James Waters

Leodhais Macpherson proposing to his partner Jaimie at the finish line

Charlie King

Leodhais Macpherson running his 128th marathon

Key facts about the RNLI

The RNLI is the 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 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 146,700 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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