Walmer RNLI volunteers cycle 500 Miles – and more
Following on from the success of the similar 199th and 200th birthday celebrations of the founding of the RNLI, Walmer volunteers undertook a further challenge last Saturday 8 March, to celebrate the charity’s 201st Anniversary.
Starting at 7.00am, they aimed to cover 500 miles on static gym bikes in the Undercroft at Deal Town Hall. With the aid of friends, family and members of HM Coastguard they completed 644 miles before finishing at 5.00pm.
Organiser and Walmer helm Dan Sinclair said ‘I cannot praise enough the real team effort from station personnel, their families and friends for their enduring support. Thanks also need to go to our fundraising team who collected donations, shop volunteers who ran a pop-up stall and Deal Coastguard for their participation in the event.’
He also wished to thank others who helped make the event such a success – from those who helped with the setup from 6.00am, Deal Radio for their broadcast from the event, the leisure centre for the loan of the gym equipment, the local business who generously gave volunteers a free round of coffee and long-time supporters The Kellet Gut Shantymen.
Money raised from events such as these raise vital funds for the charity. They ensure that RNLI lifeboat crew around the UK and Ireland are ready 24/7, whenever an emergency arises. It provides our lifesavers with essential training and equipment, all crucial to their safety in the conditions they face.
Notes to editors
Walmer lifeboat station was established in 1856.
It currently operates two inshore lifeboats – a B Class Atlantic 85 Donald McLauchlan and a smaller D Class Duggie Rodbard II.
Crews have received 28 Awards for Gallantry
To find out more about Walmer lifeboat station go to https://rnli.org/find-my-nearest/lifeboat-stations/walmer-lifeboat-station
RNLI media contacts
- Chris Winslade, Lifeboat Press Officer, Walmer Lifeboat Station on 01304 374475 or 07906 623037 [email protected]
- Julie Rainey, RNLI Regional Communications Lead on 07827 358256 [email protected]
- Hatti Mellor, RNLI Regional Communications Manager (London/East/South East) on 07724 801305 [email protected]
- For enquiries outside normal business hours, contact the RNLI duty press officer on 01202 336789 or [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.