August 29, 2021 - 864 views
London couple Belinda and James have set off from Conwy lifeboat station taking on the RNLI 911 fundraising challenge.
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 just over 9 days in order to raise money for the RNLI as part of an ongoing series of seven challenges.
Beginning at Conwy lifeboat station, 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/.
