A married couple in a Porsche 911 travelling the coast of Ireland and the UK, attempting to visit all RNLI lifeboat stations recently met volunteers from Newcastle lifeboat station in Northern Ireland as they continue their journey.
Belinda and James Richardson, from London, are travelling 8,500 miles in their Porsche 911, hoping to visit all 238 lifeboat stations in 911 hours to raise funds for a relief D class inshore lifeboat.
After starting in Morecambe in England on Friday 23 August, the pair visited Newcastle RNLI on Sunday (25 August).
Ned Leneghan, Newcastle RNLI volunteer said: “It was great to have Belinda and James stop by on their whistle-stop tour. Their efforts to raise funds for a relief D class lifeboat are inspiring.
“Our D class lifeboat, Eliza, has been away for service and repairs several times over the last few years and it’s great that a relief boat, such as Belinda and James are raising funds for, is available to come on station so that our volunteers can continue saving lives at sea. Newcastle lifeboat volunteers wish the couple all the best as they continue their epic venture.”
Jayne George, RNLI director of fundraising added: “We are so grateful to Belinda and James for taking on this huge challenge and look forward to welcoming them at all of our lifeboat stations around the coast.
“We are only able to save lives at sea thanks to the generous support of people taking on challenges like this, and we’re honoured Belinda and James have decided to raise even more money to fund a new D class inshore lifeboat.
“In 2023 alone, D class lifeboats saved 96 lives and helped 2,028 people in difficulty. Belinda and James’ 911 challenge will help continue that lifesaving legacy.”
Find out more about Belinda and James’ efforts and how to donate at rnli-911challenge.co.uk.
