The volunteer crew at Howth RNLI have welcomed home endurance runner Vini Cardoso after he completed an extraordinary self-supported run around the entire coastline of Ireland to raise vital funds for the charity that saves lives at sea.
Vini set off from Howth Lifeboat Station on 2 August and over the past six weeks has visited every RNLI lifeboat station on the coast of Ireland and Northern Ireland, covering thousands of kilometres.
He completed his journey at noon on Saturday (13 September), and was was greeted at he finish line by friends, supporters and the volunteer crew at Howth RNLI.
Speaking at the completion of his epic run, Vini said: “This has been the toughest but most rewarding challenge I’ve ever faced. From wind and rain to long, lonely stretches of road, there were days when I doubted if I could keep going.
“But I remembered the crews of the RNLI who head out in all conditions, day and night, to save lives. That kept me moving forward. I’m proud to have run every step for them and to support the lifesaving work they do right around our coast.”
Rose Michael, chairperson of the Howth RNLI Fundraising Branch, thanked Vini for his commitment.
“What Vini has achieved is remarkable. To run around Ireland visiting every RNLI lifeboat station along the coast is no small feat, and to do it in support of the charity makes it all the more special,” she said.
“Every euro raised will go directly towards funding the training, equipment and lifeboats that our volunteer crews depend on to save lives at sea. On behalf of Howth RNLI and the wider charity, I want to thank Vini for his incredible effort.”
Ronan Murphy, volunteer lifeboat crew member with Howth RNLI and who first encouraged Vini to take on the challenge, added: “When I suggested the idea to Vini, I never imagined he’d take it on with such determination. It’s been amazing to follow his journey and see the support he’s received at lifeboat stations all around the island.
“[On Saturday] we were proud to welcome him home and celebrate not just his achievement, but the impact he’s made for the RNLI.”
