June 2026: Focus on our fantastic Mayday fundraisers
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, hosting a Cuppa for the Crew or simply making a donation, every penny and cent helps the RNLI to continue its lifesaving work.
Last month, over 3,500 supporters committed to 31 days of walking, jogging, cycling and more with the return of the Mayday Mile. So far, dedicated fundraisers have covered close to 70,000 miles, raising over £253,000 to help fund our lifesaving service.
Brothers Euan and Andrew Gray know first hand the importance of the RNLI’s work. Caught in a rip current whilst out surfing last year, they were rescued by the Cullercoats RNLI crew. To say thank you to the volunteers that saved their lives, Euan and Andrew took on an incredible challenge – running a half-marathon (13.1 miles) every day in May.
Euan says: ‘When we got into trouble in the sea it was the scariest thing that has happened to me. The RNLI volunteers saved our lives, so we really wanted to give something back. It’s been a tough challenge but we have had so much support, it's been incredible. We feel amazing having completed the month, although my legs are definitely relieved it’s over!’
The brothers finished their last half marathon on Sunday, and were joined by members of the RNLI Cullercoats crew for the final kilometres of their challenge. So far, Euan and Andrew’s efforts have raised over £8,300, exceeding their fundraising target.
In Ireland, 8-year-old Morgan Jones has been taking on his second Mayday Mile, after raising €700 last year. Morgan has been covering his miles by walking, running, paddling and cycling every day, come rain or shine.
His mum, Lynda, says: ‘Morgan is a huge fan of the RNLI – he has a bedroom full of RNLI products, dressed up as crew member for Halloween and even had an RNLI birthday cake! It’s sometimes been tough for him to fit in his mile around school and football training, but he was determined to help support the volunteers’.
Morgan has now managed to raise over €900, passing last year’s total – a huge well done Morgan!
Our grateful thanks go to Euan, Andrew, Morgan and all our Mayday Mile fundraisers. If you’ve been inspired to take on your own fundraising challenge, 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, let us know at [email protected]