Sheerness RNLI Lifeboat station benefits from a windsurfer’s ‘Three Island Chall

Over the course of three weeks during August and September 2019 keen windsurfer Chris Mathlin, from Maldon in Essex, decided that whilst attempting to windsurf round West Mersea Island in Essex, Hayling Island in Hampshire and our own glorious Isle of Sheppey that he would also raise money for the RNLI which have lifeboat stations on each of them.

He succeeded in his challenge in a total time of 13.5 hours ‘sailing’. He rounded Mersea Island in 2hours 5minutes on August 8, Sheppey took a little longer, 7 hours 30 minutes exactly !! on September 1 and finally onto Hayling Island on September 14 which was completed in 3hours 40minutes.

Having had a significant sum of online donations directly to the RNLI Facebook Donate page Chris was left with £300 in cash which he has kindly split between the three RNLI Lifeboat island stations he passed during his challenge.

Well done Chris with our thanks from the Coxswain and crew of the Sheerness RNLI Lifeboats.

Key facts about the RNLI

The RNLI charity 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 142,700 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.