RNLI 911 challenge fundraisers net life-savers six-figure boost
A round-Britain whistle-stop tour to raise funds for the RNLI has left a couple “humbled” by the response they have received.
Buckie RNLI lifeboat station - and later their colleagues at Macduff - laid out the red carpet last month to welcome the RNLI 911 The Last Blast Challenge in the shape of retired London couple James and Belinda Richardson.
Touring the country in a eye-catchingly liveried Porsche 911 - named Splash - the Richardsons set themselves the not inconsiderable challenge of raising £110,000 to fund the purchase of an inflatable D class lifeboat for the RNLI’s relief fleet by driving round all 238 of the charity’s lifeboat stations in 911 hours. It was an odyssey that involved 8500 miles, 36 ferries and four flights, beginning at RNLI Morecombe on August 23 and ending on September 30 at RNLI Peel on the Isle of Man.
Thanks to a tremendous response, they have smashed their fundraising target, with the campaign coffers standing at an amazing £127,000.
Belinda said: “We reached and exceeded our target comfortably and it means that not only will we be able to fund a new D class lifeboat we’ll be able to contribute towards a trailer for her, as well.
“As the boat will be in the RNLI’s relief fleet it needs to be transported between the 160 stations which have a D class which is where the trailer comes in. The trailer will cost around £25-30,000 so this will be a start and we’ll keep on contributing when we can until reach the full amount.”
Raising money for the RNLI by visiting its lifeboat stations is not new for the couple, having previously done separate tours of the lifeboat stations in the Home Nations.
However, this tour has had a special impact on them.
Belinda continued: “We feel humbled by it all.
“During the tour we had the opportunity to meet so many people who are equally as passionate as we are about supporting the RNLI and saving lives. They have to do an awful lot more these days - it’s a reflection on the state of affairs in society - and that means an uplift in the funding required. It’s all a lot more challenging.”
She went on to heap praise on the volunteers and their families which are the backbone of the RNLI and their life-saving efforts at sea.
“The volunteers always put a positive slant on things, no matter what the challenge they’re facing.
“You’ve got to remember they do what they do - putting their lives at risk - for complete strangers. It’s really heartening to see couples and whole families involved in the lifeboats. In the station they’re all one big family, from new recruits to seasoned crew members.
“They’re a constant source of inspiration. While they’re always grateful for fundraising we’re just the other side of the coin, we could never do what they do, especially leaving their families to head out into stormy conditions.
“It’s a hell of a commitment to make.
“If there is a lasting legacy from the tour, aside from the money raised, I hope it’s the fact that we’ve managed to introduce many people to the RNLI who previously didn’t have a relationship with them.”
James added: “The volunteers are what make the RNLI tick and they were the best experience we take away from our tour.
“They make it amazing.”
The 911 challenge represents the Richardson’s swansong at such bold ventures, hence the title of the challenge - the Last Blast.
There was another blast in store for the couple once they ended their epic journey at RNLI Peel in the Isle of Man - where it all started for the RNLI 200 years ago - when they had the chance to unleash their Porsche across the TT route in the mountains of the island, where no speed limits are in force.
Now that the whirlwind challenge is over Belinda and James are pondering what to do with their time, although it is likely to involve “driving and exploring”.
The trip saw a moment of great joy for the couple when they welcomed their grandson Ivan into the world, spurring a hunt for a baby seat for the Porsche.
