Bridlington RNLI Volunteers take on Great North Run for Lifesaving Charity

Volunteer crew members Helen Baxter, Dalton Smith and Natalie Clydesdale will join thousands of runners in Newcastle for the 13.1-mile challenge, helping to raise vital funds for the charity. All three have been training hard in the lead-up to the event, clocking up the miles in all weathers as they prepare to tackle the famous route. Every step they take on race day will help support the RNLI's lifesaving work around the coast and at sea.

Founded in 1981 by former Olympic 10,000m bronze medallist Brendan Foster, the Great North Run has grown into one of the world's most iconic running events. The inaugural race attracted 12,000 participants to the streets of Newcastle and South Tyneside. Forty-five years later, in 2026, more than 60,000 runners are expected to take part in the annual spectacle.

The Great North Run covers the half marathon distance of 13.1 miles (21.1km), taking runners from Newcastle upon Tyne to the finish line in South Shields. Elite athletes can complete the course in around an hour, while thousands of others take part at their own pace, enjoying the unique atmosphere and incredible support from spectators lining the route.

Marking its 45th anniversary in 2026, the Great North Run remains one of the oldest and most celebrated half marathons in the UK, raising millions of pounds for charities and inspiring generations of runners.

Helen Baxter said, ‘I have always wanted to take part in the Great North Run, and being able to support the RNLI while doing it makes it even more worthwhile. Every donation will help support the charity's lifesaving work. I have done a number of events in the lead up to the Great North Run. None of the events I have done so far will be as special as running with my crewmates and doing it for the RNLI.

Dalton Smith added, ‘It will be a tough challenge, but knowing we're raising money for the RNLI will keep us motivated. The RNLI relies on public donations, so every contribution really does make a difference. The Great North Run will be a real personal challenge, testing both my physical and mental resilience’.

Natalie Clydesdale commented, I'm looking forward to taking on this challenge alongside Helen and Dalton. We're grateful for the support we've already received and hope to raise as much as possible for the RNLI. For anyone that actually knows me, this will come as a great shock as I only ever run if I'm being chased (hesitantly) or if I'm responding to the pager so this is a huge step up. But raising funds for the RNLI and supporting its lifesaving work around the UK and Ireland will make every mile worthwhile.’

Bridlington RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager, Jake Bennett, said: ‘We are incredibly proud of Helen, Dalton and Natalie for taking on this challenge. Their commitment to supporting the RNLI, both as volunteers and fundraisers, is inspiring, and we wish them every success on the day.’

Anyone wishing to support the trio can do so through their fundraising pages, helping the RNLI continue its mission of saving lives at sea. Please follow the QR codes on the individual photographs.

Note to editors

The links to sponsor the three volunteers taking part in the Great North Run are shown below;

Helen: RNLI - Royal National Lifeboat Institution: Helen's RNLI fundraising page

Dalton: Dalton Smith is running the Great North Run

Natalie: Natalie Clydesdale is running the Great North Run

Ends.

RNLI Media Contacts

For further information, please contact:

Michael Milner, Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer for RNLI North and East, [email protected]

Clare Hopps, RNLI Regional Communications Manager for North East and East England, 07824 518641, [email protected]

Richard Grange, RNLI Regional Communications Lead for North East and East England, 07483 112015, [email protected]

RNLI Press Office, 01202 336789, [email protected]

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, 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.