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Couple celebrate World Tai Chi Day for Hunstanton RNLI

Lifeboats News Release

Tai Chi practitioners celebrated their ancient martial art's world day on 26 April with a special session for the charity that saves lives at sea.

RNLI/Chris Bishop

The World Tai Chi Day session at Hunstanton
Allan Howlings and Maggi Marciniak were joined by more than 20 to perform moves on The Green at Hunstanton.

They ran through routines designed to boost physical and mental well-being including White Ape Gathers Fruit and The Phoenix.

Proceeds from the World Tai Chi Day session will be donated to the RNLI, along with money raised at a sound bath session on 27 April at Old Hunstanton.

'We're passionate about Tai Chi and we're passionate about the RNLI,' said Alan.
'So if we can help them out along the way, it's great.

'I used to be a Royal Life Saving Society teacher, so I know all about the dangers of water.'

The couple have been donating to the charity and other good causes for more than five years, with more than £1,000 raised to help the work of the RNLI.

Pete Griffiths and Jeff Wooldridge, from Hunstanton RNLI's visits and education team, were among those taking part in the session.

Before it got under way, Pete said: 'I'd like to thank you for everything you do for the RNLI and for the well-being and health of the people of Hunstanton.'

Allan admitted to one slight misgiving beforehand.

'I tore a tendon in my shoulder when I was washing the car,' he said. 'I had to go to hospital and have it put back on.

'But nothing else matters when you get into Tai Chi, so it's really good for pain relief - it's better than any pill.'

Notes to Editors

Volunteers at Hunstanton operate both the inshore lifeboat Spirit of West Norfolk and search and rescue hovercraft Hunstanton Flyer.

They cover The Wash, a tidal estuary stretching for more than 100 square miles fed by five main rivers, along with parts of the north Norfolk coastline.

They are one of the region's busiest crews, who launched 34 times in 2024.

Like those at more than 200 RNLI stations around the coast of the UK and Ireland, their work would not be possible without the kindness of those who donate to the charity that saves lives at sea.

Allan and Maggi are also featured here and pictured with the crew at Hunstanton RNLI after their fund raising efforts topped £1,000.

RNLI media contacts

For more information call Chris Bishop, Hunstanton RNLI volunteer Deputy Lifeboat Press Officer on 07584 147219, Clare Hopps, RNLI Regional Communications Manager, North and East on 07824 518641, or the RNLI Press Office on 01202 336789.


RNLI/Chris Bishop

Maggi Marciniak (centre) with Pete Griffiths (right) and fellow Tai Chi practitioners

RNLI/Chris Bishop

Alan Howlings, from ABC Tai Chi

RNLI/Chris Bishop

Tai Chi in progress on The Green at Hunstanton

RNLI/Chris Bishop

Tai Chi on The Green at Hunstanton

RNLI/Chris Bishop

Maggi Marciniak and Allan Howlings, from ABC Tai Chi

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.

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