Donate now
Mum and daughter duo take on a series of running challenges for Largs RNLI
Mum and daughter running duo Jane McRae and her daughter Claire, a volunteer at Largs RNLI, are preparing to take on an impressive series of challenges in support of the charity which means so much to them.
The pair will once again run together at the Great North Run and Great Scottish Run half marathons, while Claire is taking her fundraising to another level with two full marathons, the Berlin Marathon and Lisbon Marathon, all within the space of just six weeks.
Jane and Claire first began running together several years ago, taking on a number of 10k events while raising funds for the RNLI. Since then, Claire has gone on to complete a number of half marathons and marathons, often taking on the longer distances without her mum.
Claire explained; ‘When mum and I started running, we decided to fundraise for the RNLI, a charity which is very special to us both. I was surprised to discover so many people were unaware that the RNLI is a charity and that most of their people are volunteers.
‘Since our first run I have become one of those volunteers myself at Largs RNLI, which has made our fundraising even more special.
‘Over the years, mum and I have taken part in multiple running events together, fundraising for the charity. I always enjoy running with mum. We can have a chat and sometimes a wee laugh as we run, before enjoying celebrating together as we cross the finish line.
‘When I started to run longer distances, mum said it wasn’t for her. She prefers the shorter distances and supporting me in my challenges. But we’ve continued to find events we can do together, and I’m delighted we’re still able to take on these challenges side by side. I am so proud of my mum, she is amazing!’
For Jane, running alongside her daughter remains a great source of enjoyment, as well as an opportunity to give something back to the RNLI.
Jane said: ‘I have always been really supportive of Claire’s running and have enjoyed the challenges we have taken part in together. I never imagined when we first started running that it would lead to all of this!
‘Running these distances can be challenging, especially as I am approaching my 70th birthday, but it’s also enjoyable, especially when we’re able to do some of it together. There are always nerves before a big event, but they are mixed with a lot of excitement and we’re looking forward to getting started.
‘The RNLI has a very special place in my heart. I can’t thank the volunteers enough for everything they do. This is our way of giving something back to the charity.
‘You never know when you might need the lifeboat, and the RNLI relies so much on fundraising to allow them to continue saving lives at sea.’
While Jane and Claire will tackle the Great North Run and Great Scottish Run together, Claire's schedule is particularly demanding.
She will take on the Berlin Marathon before travelling to Portugal to compete in the Lisbon Marathon just a few weeks later – meaning two 26.2-mile races in a six-week period, alongside the two half marathons.
Claire, who volunteers with the crew at Largs RNLI, hopes the challenges will help raise vital funds and awareness for the charity.
The pair are inviting friends, family and supporters to get behind their fundraising efforts. Every donation, no matter how large or small, will help support the RNLI.
Anyone who wishes to sponsor Jane and Claire can do so through their JustGiving fundraising page: https://www.justgiving.com/page/claireandjane
RNLI Media Contacts
For further information, please contact:
Claire McRae, Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer for RNLI Scotland, [email protected]
Richard Smith, RNLI Regional Communications Manager for Scotland, 07826 900639, [email protected]
Martin Macnamara, RNLI Regional Communications Lead for Scotland, 07920 365929, [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.