Montrose RNLI trio reach halfway point in Mayday mile challenge

Throughout May, Jen Crews (Water Safety Officer and crew member), David Wilson (Launch Authority), and Graeme Ewen (Launch Authority) have been taking on the RNLI’s national fundraising campaign in their own unique ways, collectively clocking up miles in support of the charity.

Speaking about the challenge, Jen said: “I’m definitely not a runner, so committing to run every mile has been a real challenge, but knowing it’s helping support the RNLI makes every early morning worth it.”

Launch Authority David Wilson has been joined by his son Blair, aged 6, who has been completing some of his miles on his bike. Blair’s enthusiasm for the challenge has been a highlight of the campaign so far, with the youngster proudly supporting the RNLI alongside his dad and showing early signs of what could perhaps become a future connection to the lifeboat crew.

David said: “Taking part alongside Blair has made the challenge extra special. He’s loved getting involved on his bike and supporting the RNLI in his own way.”

Meanwhile, fellow Launch Authority Graeme Ewen has embraced a varied approach to the challenge, completing his miles through a combination of walking, cycling, and kayaking, making the most of the outdoors while supporting the RNLI’s lifesaving mission.

Graeme added: “The great thing about the Mayday Mile is you can complete it your own way. Mixing walking, cycling and kayaking has kept it enjoyable while supporting an important cause.”

The Mayday Mile campaign helps raise funds for the RNLI’s volunteer crews and lifeguards, who continue to respond to emergencies around the clock.

During 2025 in Scotland alone, RNLI lifeboats launched:

• 1,172 times
• Including 429 launches in darkness
• Assisting 838 people
• Saving 37 lives

Volunteers at stations like Montrose remain on call 24 hours a day, ready to respond in all conditions when the pager sounds.

Montrose Lifeboat Operations Manager Jim Candy praised the efforts of the volunteers taking part in the challenge. He said: “The commitment shown by Jen, David, Graeme and young Blair really reflects the spirit of the RNLI. Whether they’re responding to callouts, promoting water safety or fundraising in their spare time, our volunteers are always willing to go the extra mile for the charity and the communities we serve.”

The RNLI’s Mayday Mile encourages supporters to complete a mile a day throughout May in any way they choose, helping raise funds to keep lifeboats, crews, and equipment in a state of readiness.

As a charity funded largely through donations, every fundraising effort helps the RNLI continue its lifesaving work around the UK and Ireland. The Montrose volunteers are now past the halfway mark in their challenge and are continuing to push toward the finish line at the end of May.

Anyone wishing to support their efforts can donate here:
Jen Crews - https://fundraise.rnli.org/fundraisers/jencrews
David Wilson - https://fundraise.rnli.org/fundraisers/davidwilson/mayday-mile
Graeme Ewen - https://fundraise.rnli.org/fundrai.../graemeewen/mayday-mile

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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.

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