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Gravesend RNLI Commander swaps wellies for running shoes

Lifeboats News Release

Dave Parry will be taking part in this year's London Marathon raising money for the RNLI.

Dave is sat on the trailer with the orange lifeboat behind him.

RNLI/Chris Davey

Gravesend RNLI's Dave Parry will be running this years London Marathon in aid of RNLI
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At 60 years old, Dave is no stranger to dedication. 'My family has always supported the RNLI,” he says. “So when we moved to Whitstable in 1991, I joined the local lifeboat station and served as shore crew, crew, and eventually helm.'

His commitment didn’t stop there. For 21 years, Dave worked as a full-time Thames Commander at Gravesend RNLI Lifeboat Station and continues to volunteer at Gravesend as a Commander today, while also remaining active with Whitstable RNLI.

About 15 years ago, Dave took up running and has often watched the London Marathon from the sidelines. In 2023, his wife Helen ran the event, and ever since, she’s been his running partner and support aid. 'She’s been with me for every training run and always has great advice,' Dave adds.

Now, in 2025, Dave is lacing up for his own marathon journey, and he’s doing it for a cause close to his heart. 'With such a long history with the RNLI, running to raise funds for this incredible lifesaving organisation just made perfect sense,' he says.

Dave has set up a fundraising page and would truly appreciate any support:

The 2025 TCS London Marathon takes place on Sunday, April 27th, marking its 45th year since the inaugural event in 1981. Everyone at Gravesend RNLI will be cheering Dave on every step of the way!

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 146,000 lives.

Learn more about the RNLI

For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, X, TikTok 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.

About the author

Ashley Bard
Lifeboat Press Officer, Gravesend

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