New lifeboat launched thanks to efforts of Porsche 911 fundraisers
A new Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) lifeboat has been launched after a married couple raised more than £130,000 travelling to all 238 RNLI lifeboat stations in their Porsche 911.
On Saturday 21 February, many gathered to watch the naming ceremony of a new D class inshore lifeboat in Exmouth Lifeboat Station, Devon. Aptly named RNLI 911 – Challenge, the efforts of Belinda and James Richardson funded the lifeboat.
In celebration of the RNLI’s 200th anniversary in 2024, Belinda and James Richardson embarked on a road trip in their Porsche 911 that took them around the entirety of the coast of the UK and Ireland.
Beginning in Morecambe, Lancashire, they finished their journey in Peel, Isle of Man, exactly 911 hours after they started on 23 August 2024.
Reflecting on their fundraiser, James said: ‘We were amazed by the giving mindset of everyone. Meeting the people involved, at any level within the RNLI, was wonderful.’
They aimed to raise £110,000, but ultimately received more than £130,000 for the lifesaving organisation. Their contribution was not only enough to pay for a D class lifeboat, but also allowed for the complete training and kit for three volunteer crew members, with the remaining amount supporting any necessary boat maintenance.
Jayne George, Chief Fundraising and Communications Officer, said: ‘We would like to express our most sincere gratitude once more to Belinda and James for the fundraising they have done for us over the years.
‘It is a privilege to name this D class inshore lifeboat in recognition of their monumental efforts, and RNLI 911 – Challenge will go on to help fulfil our mission of saving lives at sea. It is only through the generosity of supporters like Belinda and James, and the many supporters across our RNLI community, that we are able to do so.’
The D class is a vital part of the RNLI lifeboat fleet, first introduced in 1963. They are best used for rescues when navigating obstacles, and for coping with the surf and shallow water.
RNLI 911 – Challenge is now part of the RNLI’s essential relief fleet, meaning it will come to the aid of any station that needs it. A relief lifeboat is invaluable when a station’s regular boat is unavailable. In 2024, RNLI relief lifeboats launched 717 times, helping 730 people.
Alongside Belinda and James, over fifty of their friends and supporters headed to Exmouth for the event. RNLI volunteers and staff were also in attendance.
RNLI Vice President, Mark Dowie, opened proceedings.
Belinda, James and their donors then handed the lifeboat into the care of the charity.
Reverend Steve Jones led the Service of Dedication, which featured a performance by The Sea Shanty Men.
After officially naming the D class inshore lifeboat, a Vote of Thanks closed the proceedings.
Fortunately, the weather allowed for a demonstration of the lifeboat, led by the volunteer crew.
Belinda said: ‘We were very excited to see the culmination of so much work. It’s thanks to our sponsors for their generosity and to anyone who donated.
‘It’s so lovely to have something tangible come out of the fundraising. I think that’s what really resonates with the sponsors; it’s something that they can touch and see. They know that they’ve been part of creating something that will save a life.’
Notes to editors
· See the previous press release about Belinda and James Richardson’s achievement here.
· Exmouth lifeboat station is over 200 years old, and they opened a new station in 2010, which houses a Shannon class lifeboat and an inshore D class lifeboat.
· Find out more about the RNLI relief fleet here.
· High res pictures of the naming ceremony can be found here.
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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.
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.