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Brighton RNLI volunteer visits all 238 RNLI lifeboat stations
A Brighton RNLI volunteer has completed an extraordinary challenge to visit every one of the RNLI's 238 lifeboat stations across the UK and Ireland, raising more than £5,100 for the lifesaving charity.
The couple launched the challenge during the RNLI's 200th anniversary celebrations in 2024 after being inspired by the BBC series Saving Lives at Sea. Their aim was to experience more of the UK's coastline while raising vital funds to support the charity's lifesaving work.
Brighton Lifeboat Station was just the second stop on their journey. Inspired by the crews they met and the work of RNLI volunteers around the coast, Allan later applied to become Brighton RNLI's Administration Officer. He has since also taken on the role of Treasurer.
Together, Allan and Helen have raised more than £5,100 through their JustGiving page, with all donations going directly to the RNLI. Every pound raised helps fund the charity's volunteer crews, lifeboats, training and lifesaving equipment, with the RNLI relying on public donations to continue saving lives at sea.
Allan said: 'For the past two years Helen and I have visited some of the most remote and picturesque locations in the UK and Ireland as well as city centre lifeboat stations.
'We have been overwhelmed by the welcome we have received and the support we have received along the way. It truly has been an incredible experience and we are delighted to have raised vital funds for our lifesaving heroes.'
The challenge saw the couple drive more than 16,600 miles, take 11 flights, 26 ferry crossings and two train journeys, while staying in 51 hotels and B&Bs.
Looking back on the journey, Allan said some of his favourite memories included the warm welcome they received at Hunstanton Lifeboat Station, the spectacular scenery of western Scotland and the hospitality shown by RNLI volunteers across Ireland.
He added: 'We have a huge sense of achievement and pride. We have been overwhelmed with the support we have had both at stations and on social media. We have experienced every emotion imaginable and have been humbled by the bravery of the crews hearing their inspiring stories.'
Charlie Dannreuther, Lifeboat Operations Manager at Brighton RNLI, said: 'We're incredibly proud to have Allan as part of our volunteer team. His commitment to visiting every RNLI lifeboat station while raising such a fantastic amount for the charity is a remarkable achievement and demonstrates the passion and dedication so many of our volunteers and supporters have for the RNLI.
'On behalf of everyone at Brighton RNLI, I'd like to congratulate Allan and Helen on completing this incredible challenge and thank everyone who has supported them along the way. Every donation helps us continue saving lives at sea.'
To find out more about Allan and Helen's journey, visit https://www.238-rnli-challenge.com/.
To support their fundraising, visit https://www.justgiving.com/page/allan-thornhill-1716647435431.
RNLI Media Contacts
For further information, please contact:
Lottie Ikonen, Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer for RNLI South East, [email protected]
Jess Curtis, RNLI Regional Communications Manager for London and South East England, 07483 488243, [email protected]
Julie Rainey, RNLI Regional Communications Lead for London and South East England, 07827 358256, [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.