Cleethorpes RNLI tractor driver to run 40 miles between lifeboat stations
Ally Mcmahon is used to endurance challenges - and this weekend the RNLI tractor driver is embarking on another - a 40 mile ultra marathon between lifeboat stations to mark the 200th anniversary of the charity that saves lives at sea.
The 55 year-old, originally from Grimsby but now living in Cleethorpes, is doing this to tie in with the arrival of the RNLI’s commemorative scroll to the Lincolnshire Coast, which bears the organisation’s founding pledge and will be signed by representatives as it tours the UK.
Carrying a flagpole to symbolise the presence of the scroll, Ally will start out from Skegness at 7am on Saturday, and will run 16 miles North to Mablethorpe. On arrival he will have a short refuelling break while three representatives sign the scroll.
From there, he’ll set off to his own station, Cleethorpes on The Promenade, an extra distance of 25 miles.
Along the way, Ally will be joined by pals and fellow members of their exclusive extreme challenges group – ‘The 1%s’.
Cleethorpes Lifeboat Station will be open all afternoon and members of the public are invited to the station too to welcome the runners as they come in.
Ally, a teacher of sport and outdoor studies at Park House Academy, has set up a Go Fund Me account which has raised about £300 but, he said: ‘It’s more about raising awareness of the RNLI.
‘Everyone who runs along with me will be making a donation and visitors on the day are welcome to too.’
You can support his challenge by donating here.
Ally has been involved with the RNLI for four years since he was introduced to Cleethorpoes Lifeboat Station by a friend.
He added: ‘My only regret was that I didn’t join earlier because I have had a really good four years with a great team of people.’
On Sunday, the scroll will continue its journey from Cleethorpes to Humber Lifeboat Station. The scroll flag carried in Ally’s ultra marathon will make its way over water to Grimsby Dock across the water by lifeboat at the same time a paddleboarding event is held alongside. The scroll will arrive separately and will be signed by a representative at Humber Lifeboat Station.
Over the course of seven months, the five-metre-long scroll will pass through 240 RNLI locations around the UK and Ireland before finishing its journey in October at Douglas on the Isle of Man, which was home to the RNLI’s founder, Sir William Hillary. By this time it will carry around 700 signatures.
The pledge reads: ‘Whoever we are, wherever we are from, we are one crew, ready to save lives. We’re powered by passion, talent and kindness, like generations of selfless lifesavers before us. This is our watch, we lead the way, valuing each other, trusting each other, depending on one another, volunteering to face the storm together. Knowing that, with courage, nothing is impossible. That is what has always driven us to save every one we can. It's what makes every one of us a lifesaver.’
Beneath the pledge, printed in seven languages (English, Irish Gaelic, Welsh, Scottish Gaelic, Ulster Scots, Manx, and Cornish), it says: ‘Signed in 2024 by representatives of the RNLI’s lifesaving communities, on behalf of all who strive to save every one.’
Anjie Rook, RNLI Associate Director, who is overseeing the RNLI’s 200th anniversary programmes, says:
‘The Connecting our Communities relay is one of the most significant events of the RNLI’s 200th anniversary year as it’s all about our people. For 200 years, it is people who have made the RNLI what it is – from our brave lifesavers who risk their lives to save others, to the committed fundraisers and generous donors who fund our lifesaving work.
‘We asked our communities to express interest in participating in this event and we have been overwhelmed by the response – we’re thrilled to have representation from our stations, lifeguard units and fundraising branches across the UK and Ireland.
‘Everything about the scroll – from the design and materials, to the wording printed on it and the locations it’s travelling to – reflects the communities we serve. By the end of the relay we will have an important document which will become part of the charity’s history and a significant snapshot of the charity as it stands at 200 years old.’
Ford are providing an All-Electric E-Transit van to transport the scroll on its journey. When the seven-month-long journey is complete, the scroll will be displayed in the RNLI College in Poole, where the charity’s lifeboat crews and lifeguards are trained.
Notes to Editors
- Image of Ally Mcmahon. Copyright Ally Mcmahon.
- Image of the commemorative scroll. Copyright RNLI.
- The link to Ally’s online fundraising page is: https://www.justgiving.com/page/ally-mcmahon-1713387707957?utm_medium=fundraising&utm_content=page%2Fally-mcmahon-1713387707957&utm_source=facebook&utm_campaign=pfp-share&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR2eLvUrQd3lH3KESZ_HIQwWveRd8jVj6WYffEB3RkZu92vs64Z_zFpGrpM_aem_AY_kGCsKfhnETUgVM5NZPoU_vyO43HorlTsb54U19uLC8Q1N57rQz0BvYg7DTTwhsDucMoaxhJMx1WwcF_HYEQzE
Media contacts
Regional Communications Manager Beth Robson [email protected] or the RNLI press office on 01202 336789 / [email protected].
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.
On 4 March 2024, the RNLI celebrates 200 years of saving lives at sea – thanks to volunteers giving their time to save others, all funded by voluntary public donations. Throughout its 200th anniversary year, the charity is running events and activities to commemorate its history, celebrate the lifesaving service it provides today, and inspire generations of future lifesavers and supporters. For more information visit RNLI.org/200.
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.