Couple set off to visit every Welsh lifeboat station in RNLI/911 fundraiser

Between now and the 1 September, the couple are attempting to visit every lifeboat station in Wales. Travelling over 2000 miles in ‘Splash’ their Porsche 911, the challenge will be covered in 9.11 days in order to raise money for the RNLI as part of an ongoing series of seven challenges.

Beginning at Conwy lifeboat station at 9.11am on 23rd August, the couple will travel anti-clockwise around Wales to visit all past and present Welsh RNLI lifeboat stations. This tour, which is one of a series of challenges the couple intends on completing before the RNLI’s bi-centenary in 2024, aims to promote the ‘incredible work carried out by the RNLI volunteers’ and contribute to a their aim of raising £52,000 by 2024 – via their D-Class Lifeboat appeal.

Belinda and James’ circumnavigation of Wales will mark their third challenge, having previously completed two others in 2018 and 2019. The previous year’s challenges have seen the retired couple tour all 238 stations around the coast of the British Isles in 2018 and visit all 77 stations in Scotland in 2019.

Nick Evans, Fundraising and Partnership Lead for the RNLI says:

‘Belinda and James’ challenge is an amazing example of some of the creative and fun ways our supporters raise money for the RNLI and help us continue our work. Their dedication to supporting the RNLI through their various challenges is remarkable particularly given the distance they live from the coastline.’

‘This summer we have seen a huge increase in the numbers of visitors to the coast with people opting for staycations instead of travelling abroad. Belinda and James’ story and commitment to the charity despite living inland shows how visitors to the coast appreciate the work of our great volunteers just as much as those who live in coastal communities’

When asked about why they chose to support the RNLI and about the motivation behind their challenge, Belinda and James said: ‘it is our way of recognising and helping the selfless dedication of the RNLI and their volunteers.’

You can find out more information about the challenge and follow their journey on their website (https://www.rnli-911challenge.co.uk/) or via their Instagram page (https://www.instagram.com/rnli_911_challenge/) .

RNLI media contacts

For more information please contact Maddy Wright, RNLI Media Engagement Placement in Wales and the North West on 07929659684 or at [email protected] or the RNLI Press Office on 01202 336789.

RNLI online

For more information, please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. News releases, videos and photos are available on the RNLI News Centre.

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 over 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and, in a normal year, 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 143,000 lives.