Scarborough RNLI crew conquer Cleveland Way in an epic 110 mile Challenge

The challenge, which began just after 8:00 AM with a walk from Filey to Helmsley, unfolded over 29 hours and 35 minutes, beating the crew’s predicted 30 hour target.

The route included a mix of walking and running, with segments passing Scarborough Lifeboat Station, Whitby Abbey, Saltburn Pier, Captain Cook monument, the North Yorkshire Moors and ultimately finishing at Helmsley

This year’s Cleveland Way Challenge is the latest in a series of ambitious fundraising efforts by Scarborough RNLI, following previous feats such as:

• The Lyke Wake Walk in 2023, completed with a stretcher and mannequin in 20 hours 59 minutes
• The National Three Peaks Challenge in 2021, completed in 22 hours 50 minutes
• The Scarborough to Blackpool run in 2020

Despite the physical toll, the crew were buoyed by unusually favorable weather a welcome contrast to the harsh conditions faced in past challenges. The team’s cohesion and mutual trust, honed through years of volunteering together at sea, proved vital on land as well.

The challenge was made possible thanks to generous contributions from local RNLI groups, businesses, and individuals who supported the crew in donating facilities, showers, food and vehicles:

· Filey RNLI

· Robin Hoods Bay RNLI Guild

· Helmsley RNLI Guild

· Helmsley Youth Hostel

· 49^th Eastfiled Scout Group

· Burniston Road Tesco Express

· Tescos Westwood

Donations from business’ include:

· Castle Employment

· CPH Estate Agents

· Mainprise Offshore

Overall the team has raised a staggering £10097 so far which will help support the charity’s vital lifesaving work, including the provision of important training and equipping of our volunteer lifeboat crews who readily respond to emergency calls and go to sea to save others whenever the call for help comes in 24/7.

Cara Hayes, volunteer lifeboat crew member at Scarborough RNLI, said: 'The Cleveland Way Challenge took us across incredibly tough terrain, my knees are wrecked!'

'The team spirit was phenomenal, and I feel immensely proud to be part of this crew. We took on this challenge to raise vital funds for our lifeboat station, so we can continue saving lives at sea.'

'Thanks you to the generosity of supporters, Scarborough RNLI can carry on its life-saving mission. It costs approximately £1,400 to train a single crew member each year.'

'The £10,097 raised through the unwavering courage, determination, and resilience of the Cleveland Way Challenge team will make a significant impact, enough to fund the training of seven of the station’s 49 crew members.'

'A huge congratulations to everyone who completed the non-stop Cleveland Way Challenge, and heartfelt thanks to all who donated. Your support keeps our lifeboats running and our crews ready. Until the next challenge'

Lee Marton, Scarborough Station Coxswain, said 'Completing the challenge in 30 hours was no easy feat, but we pushed through and finished with time to spare. If there’s one thing we took away, apart from the blisters, it’s that we had to depend on each other. Teamwork is what got us all to the finish line.'

‘The Scarborough RNLI team was made up of 23 crew members, 19 taking on the challenge and 4 providing vital support as drivers and morale boosters. '

'The runners and walkers came from a range of abilities, united by determination and camaraderie.'

'Among the team was Colin, our Chairman, proudly taking part in his eighties. We were also joined by three female boat crew members, with Cara achieving the longest distance of all—an incredible 47 miles out of the 110-mile route.'

'If you’d like to support our courageous crew, please consider donating at https://www.justgiving.com/page/rnliscarboroughclevelandway'

'As a charity, we rely on the generosity of the public. These Station Challenges help us raise the funds that ensure we’re ready to answer the call, Saving Lives at Sea.'

ENDS

Notes to editors

Scarborough lifeboat station has been operating since 1801. To learn more about the lifeboat station go to: https://rnli.org/find-my-nearest/lifeboat-stations/scarborough-lifeboat-station.

We have crew available for interview if required about this event

RNLI media contacts

Nick Gough RNLI volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer on 07939025881 or [email protected]. or contact the RNLI Press Office on 01202 336789 or email [email protected].

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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.

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