Wells RNLI volunteer supports Mayday Mile challenge along North Norfolk coast
Volunteer supporter Andy Grout, alongside his son Stuart and dog Biscuit, known collectively as ‘The Three Biscuiteers’, are undertaking a special Mayday Mile fundraising challenge in support of the RNLI’s lifesaving work.
The trio are walking more than 40 miles along the North Norfolk coastline from Hunstanton lifeboat station to Cromer lifeboat station, calling in at Wells RNLI as part of their journey to help raise funds for the charity’s Mayday campaign.
So far, the group has completed the section from Hunstanton to Wells-next-the-Sea, covering approximately 24 miles and already exceeding their original £300 fundraising target, raising more than £360 for the RNLI so far.
Along the way, they have met RNLI volunteers, supporters and members of the public across the coast, stopping at local villages and businesses while taking in the North Norfolk Coast Path.
Andy Grout Wells RNLI volunteer explained; ‘Taking on this challenge with Stuart and Biscuit has been an amazing experience so far. Walking the North Norfolk coast and meeting RNLI volunteers and supporters along the way has really highlighted just how much dedication goes into saving lives at sea.
‘As a volunteer at Wells RNLI, I see firsthand the commitment, training and teamwork needed whenever the pagers go off. We wanted to do something that would help support crews ahead of the busy summer season and raise awareness of the RNLI’s Mayday campaign.
‘The support we’ve received from local people and businesses has been incredible and we’re hugely grateful to everyone who has donated and encouraged us on the journey.’
The RNLI’s Mayday campaign raises vital funds ahead of the charity’s busiest season, helping provide volunteer crews with the training, kit and equipment needed to continue saving lives at sea.
Chris Hardy, Lifeboat Operations Manager at Wells RNLI, said: ‘Everyone at Wells RNLI is incredibly proud of Andy, Stuart and Biscuit for taking on this fantastic challenge in support of the RNLI.
‘The generosity and support from the public through fundraising efforts like this help make it possible for our volunteer crew to continue saving lives at sea 365 days a year. Donations directly support the training, equipment and ongoing preparation our volunteers need to respond whenever the pager sounds.
‘We’re extremely grateful to everyone who has donated, supported or encouraged them along the way.’
The Three Biscuiteers are continuing their journey east along the coast towards Cromer and are hoping to raise more than £500 for the RNLI by the end of the challenge.
Anyone wishing to support the challenge and help fund the RNLI’s lifesaving work can donate via their fundraising page.
RNLI Media Contacts
For further information, please contact:
Jess Curtis, Wells RNLI Press Officer[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.
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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.