RNLI volunteers ‘The Girls in the Boat’ take on Great River Race this autumn
In this special year for the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) as it marks 200 years of saving lives, a dedicated team of female volunteers from Beaumaris RNLI are gearing up for an extraordinary challenge to celebrate and support the charity's lifesaving efforts.
On September 21 2024, an all-female crew from Beaumaris RNLI will embark on a daunting challenge as they row a Celtic Longboat 21.6 miles in the Great River Race, covering a marathon distance from east (Millwall) to west (Richmond) London.
Despite being newcomers to the sport of rowing and knowing the physical and mental demands it entails, the group made up of Gwen Beeken, Pippa Thomas, Cindy Styles, Stevie Scanlan, Giovanna Culeddu, Cheryl Owen, Eleanor Butler, Clare Tewson and Mandi Shipton are ready to tackle this formidable challenge with grit and determination.
With around 3 hours of intense rowing during the race, they are preparing to push themselves to their absolute limits and are determined they’ll reach the finish line.
Stevie Scanlan, who is a Launch Authority at Beaumaris RNLI said:
‘With 2024 being such a historic milestone for the charity we all love and volunteer our time we wanted to go the extra mile… or 21.6 to support the RNLI's vital lifesaving work.
‘Being a part of the crew at Beaumaris RNLI we see first-hand how every donation, no matter how big or small, goes towards saving lives at sea. Every penny raised brings us one step closer to our mission to save everyone. Together, united as one crew we can make a real difference.’
RNLI volunteers like this crew from Beaumaris RNLI provide a 24-hour search and rescue operation across the UK and Ireland, ready to respond to a call for help at any moment. Last year the charity’s lifeboat crews and lifeguards saved a total of 355 lives – almost one life saved for every day of the year.
The RNLI’s lifesaving service depends on the kindness of supporters, relying on public donations.
Stevie continued:
‘Between the 4 March 1824 and our race day on the 21 September this year, there are 73250 days. So we’ve set a fundraising target of £7,325, symbolising 10p for every day the RNLI volunteer crews have stood ready to save lives for the past 200 years.
‘Our goal for this challenge is to rally as much support as possible from the community and beyond, ensuring the RNLI can continue to save lives for the next 200 years.’
‘The Girls in the Boat’ invites individuals, businesses and organisations to join them in their fundraising efforts ensuring the RNLI can continue to save lives at sea.
To donate, please visit the JustGiving page:
Girls in the Boat - Beaumaris RNLI Crew Great River Race Challenge 2024
Notes to editors:
- Stevie is available for interviews. Please contact Claire on the details below to arrange.
Media Contacts
For more information please contact Claire Fitzpatrick-Smith, Regional Communications Manager on 07977 728 315 / [email protected].
Alternatively, you can contact the RNLI press office on 01202 336789 / [email protected].
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.