RNLI Teignmouth volunteers & supporters raise £4,897.98 in Mayday Challenge

Whether walking, running, cycling, swimming or skating, every mile completed helps support the charity's lifesaving work around the coast. Throughout May, volunteers from Teignmouth Lifeboat Station took on the challenge of completing a mile every day. In addition, crew members and supporters spent every Saturday, Sunday and Bank Holiday on Teignmouth seafront collecting donations from the public to support the appeal.

The station was also delighted to be supported by two of its 'junior' crew members, Hugo and Rowan, who both took on the challenge and raised funds to help support the RNLI's lifesaving work.

Hugo, whose mum Rachel is one of the station's volunteer lifeboat crew members, even completed his daily miles while travelling through France during the school half-term holiday. Hugo said: "It was hard work when we were on our half term holiday in the South of France and it was sooooo hot but I kept going! I walked, ran, biked and skated my miles and I did them in Shaldon, London, Lille, Arles, Meze and Paris. I raised £298 in total which I'm really pleased about as it will go to help saving people's lives at sea."

Rowan, whose dad volunteers as part of the station's shore crew, also successfully completed the challenge. He said: "It's been a challenge to fit it in every day, but I've really enjoyed it and met lots of nice people along the way. Thank you to everyone who sponsored me. I'm proud to have raised £589 towards the total."

The station was also delighted to see long-term supporters from the team at Gilpin Scrap Metals get involved in this year's challenge. Led by Hollie and John, the team took on the Mayday Mile Challenge and raised a fantastic £1,667 through donations and support from their customers.

The Mayday Mile challenge has been a wonderful way to bring together our community of volunteers, supporters and local businesses, all united in helping to save lives at sea. Wendy Richards Wood, RNLI Teignmouth Fundraising Chair, said: "Mayday Mile has been a fantastic opportunity to get out and about in our community and meet so many lovely people. We have been overwhelmed by the generosity and encouragement we've received. Every donation, no matter how big or small, will help support the RNLI's lifesaving work, and we're incredibly grateful to everyone who has taken part or supported us."

Andy Lilburn, Lifeboat Operations Manager, said: "It's been wonderful to see volunteers from right across the station come together for this challenge. From lifeboat crew and shore crew to fundraisers, families and supporters, everyone has played their part. We've also been incredibly grateful for the support we've received from the wider community, whose generosity continues to make a real difference to our ability to save lives at sea."

The station would like to thank everyone who took part, donated, sponsored participants or supported the collection efforts throughout May. Every pound raised will help the RNLI continue its mission of saving lives at sea.

RNLI Media Contacts

For further information, please contact:

Amy Furlong, Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer for RNLI South West, [email protected]

Emma Haines, RNLI Regional Communications Manager for South West England, 07786 668847, [email protected]

Amy Caldwell, RNLI Regional Communications Lead for South West England, 07920 818807, [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

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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.