Step daughter to run in memory of well respected Harwich RNLI Coxswain
Lily O’Dea will be running between the Walton RNLI station and the Harwich RNLI station on Saturday March 11 to honour her late stepfather John Teatheredge, and raise vital funds for the lifesaving charity he was so passionate about.
Having joined at just 17 years of age, the much loved and respected Second Coxswain John Teatheredge, had served the charity passionately for 43 years when he passed away on Boxing Day 2020 from complications following an operation for a heart condition.
Having been a keen runner himself, when his step daughter Lily was looking for a fundraising challenge, running between the two neighbouring RNLI lifeboat stations of Walton and Harwich seemed a perfect fit.
This will be the second year Lily has undertaken the challenge, and feels better prepared this year, admitting to having had no idea how far it actually was along the sea wall between the two stations until the actual day last year, as she had broken the 19 mile route into three parts for training. Last year she was joined by her nephew, and grandson of John, Harry Hunt, who unfortunately won’t be running this year having joined the RAF.
‘Last year Harry and I ran together alone, and were only joined by others for the last leg, as it was more a private challenge for us, helping us come to terms with the loss of such a big part of our lives.
‘This year I am pleased to be joined by some of the Harwich Runners who have been amazing in their support towards me, having only started running in December 2021 for the challenge. We aim to start at 9am on Saturday 11 March from Walton RNLI’s station, and arrive at Harwich RNLI’s station at 12:30pm where hopefully there will be some tea and cake left for us.’
There will be tea and cake available for those wishing to cheer the runners over the finishing line when they reach the Harwich lifeboat station.
A JustGiving page has also been set up by Lily in honour of John to ensure his legacy continues by supporting the next generation of lifesaving at Harwich RNLI. Anyone wishing to support Lily’s and the Harwich Runners’ efforts, can do so at:
https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/station-to-station?utm_term=9N9AB2mz5
RNLI media contacts
For more information, please contact:
Richard Wigley, RNLI Harwich volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer on 07903424698 or [email protected],
Clare Hopps, Regional Media Officer on 07824518641 or [email protected] or contact the RNLI Press Office on 01202 336789.
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.
Learn more about the RNLI
For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, Twitter 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.