Barry Dock RNLI volunteer tackles tough cycling challenge in Europe
A dedicated Barry Dock RNLI volunteer is preparing to take on an epic cycling challenge across France to raise funds for the charity she supports throughout the year.
Jackie Brown, a volunteer at the RNLI shop on Barry Island prom, will cycle approximately 870 miles, taking in an elevation gain of 62,400ft or 19,000m, from the English Channel to the Mediterranean Sea as part of the demanding Channel to the Med challenge.
Over 10 days, Jackie will travel from the Normandy coast to southern France, tackling some of the country's most famous cycling routes, including the iconic Mont Ventoux climb, part of the iconic Tour de France route.
A keen cyclist, Jackie is qualified to lead women's cycling rides and regularly encourages others to get out on two wheels. Having helped many others achieve their cycling goals, she decided it was time to set herself a challenge that would really test her own endurance.
Jackie said:
"Cycling has been a huge part of my life for many years and I love helping other women build their confidence and enjoy getting out on their bikes.
"Having supported others through their cycling journeys, I wanted to take on something that would really test me personally. The Channel to the Med challenge certainly does that.
"I've seen first-hand through my volunteering at the RNLI shop how much the charity relies on the support of volunteers and fundraisers. Every pound raised helps support the RNLI's lifesaving work, so I'm proud to be taking on this challenge for Barry Dock RNLI in our 125th Anniversary year!”
"I'm sure there will be some tough days along the way, but knowing I'm raising money for such an important cause will help keep me going."
Barry Dock RNLI Coxswain Andy Gavan said:
"We're incredibly grateful to Jackie for taking on this challenge in support of the station.
"People often think of the RNLI as the volunteer crew who launch on rescues, but we are OneCrew and there are so many volunteers behind the scenes who make our lifesaving work possible. Jackie already gives up her time in the RNLI shop and now she's going even further by taking on this remarkable cycling challenge.
"Everyone at Barry Dock RNLI wishes her the very best of luck and we'll be following her progress every mile of the way."
The RNLI is a charity that saves lives at sea and relies on donations and fundraising to maintain its lifesaving service around the coast of the UK and Ireland.
Anyone wishing to support Jackie's fundraising can donate via her JustGiving page:
https://www.justgiving.com/page/jacqueline-brown-1780301076347?utm_medium=FR&utm_source=WA
RNLI Media Contacts
For further information, please contact:
Lisa Newberry, Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer for RNLI Wales & West, [email protected]
Claire Fitzpatrick-Smith, RNLI Regional Communications Manager for Wales, West of England and Isle of Man, 07977 728 315, [email protected]
Danielle Rush, RNLI Regional Communications Lead for Wales, West of England and Isle of Man, 07786 668829, [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.