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Focus on our fantastic fundraisers – marking 25 years of RNLI lifeguards
As a charity, we all know that everything we do is only made possible by our fantastic fundraisers. Whether it’s taking on physical challenges, organising fundraising events or simply making a donation, every penny and cent helps the RNLI to continue its lifesaving work.
This year we are celebrating 25 years of RNLI lifeguards keeping our beaches safer. To mark this important milestone, a team of lifeguards from across South Devon took on an extraordinary fundraising endurance challenge this month – running 2.5 kilometres every hour, on the hour, for 25 consecutive hours.
The five-strong team were joined by family, friends and supporters at Bantham beach on Wednesday 8 July to begin their gruelling challenge. The team, made up of current lifeguards Daisy Womack, Rosie Lawrence, Will Simmons and Joe Robinson along with former lifeguard Charlie Post, brought together a wealth of experience from across the South Devon lifeguard service, with over eighteen years of lifeguarding between them.
Organised not only to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the RNLI Lifeguard Service, but also to raise vital funds to support RNLI South Devon Lifeguards, the event began at 6pm with the first 2.5km lap. Over the course of the following 25 hours, the team covered an incredible 325km in total – a staggering 83,624 steps. Supporters joined them for 100 supporter laps, adding 250km to the total distance. And a final total of 27 pairs of socks were used, with 9 blisters accrued!
RNLI Lifeguard and one of the team, Daisy Womack, said: 'As lifeguards, we're incredibly proud to be celebrating 25 years of the RNLI Lifeguard Service. For us, the challenge was about far more than simply completing an endurance event – it was an opportunity to celebrate 25 years of RNLI lifeguards and recognise the friendships, teamwork and sense of community that makes the South Devon lifeguard team so special. It was tough at times, especially in the middle of the night, but our amazing supporters and the thought that we were raising much-needed funds for our incredible team helped carry us through.'
The team has so far raised over £3,000 with their efforts, with their fundraising page still open for further donations. You can also catch up with more about the event on Instagram.
Since RNLI lifeguards first began patrolling beaches 25 years ago, they have made an extraordinary impact on beach safety across the UK. Tomorrow (31 July) marks Lifeguard Appreciation Day, when everyone across the RNLI is invited to come together to show their support for our lifeguards, and the work they do keeping our beaches safer. Add a splash of red-and-yellow to your day, and share your support online with the hashtag #LoveYourLifeguard
If you’ve been inspired by the team’s efforts to do some of your own fundraising, there is further information and inspiration available on our fundraising pages. And if you spot a fundraiser going above and beyond that you’d like to see in the spotlight, please do let us know at [email protected].