Focus on … our fantastic fundraisers
As a charity, we all know that everything we do is only made possible by our fantastic fundraisers. Whether it’s taking on long-distance challenges, selling sweet treats or simply donating hard-earned pocket money, every penny and cent helps the RNLI to continue its lifesaving work.
We’re going to be shining a spotlight every month on just a few of the people going the extra mile to raise much-needed funds.
This time, meet our four-legged fundraiser, Harris. Harris and his human Colin took on the RNLI’s Mayday Mile challenge this year. Together they raised over £1,000, which was then generously matched by Colin’s employer.
Colin said: ‘Harris might only have little paws, but this is his way of saying thank you to the brave crews who give their all to keep others safe.’
Also taking on this year’s Mayday Mile was Avery Bristol from Woolston in Cheshire. At just four years old, little Avery walked a mile each day in May to raise over £1,000 for his favourite charity. RNLI lifeguards were delighted to visit Avery’s school to thank him for his efforts and share important safety advice with Avery and his classmates.
And on the east coast, the team from external maintenance and biodiversity company Ground Control have raised an incredible £50,000 after naming the RNLI as their charity of the year at the request of much-missed colleague Simon Wiggins. Simon, who sadly died last year, was a long-time supporter of the RNLI and inspired colleagues from branches across the country to take part in fundraising challenges including walking, cycling, car washes, quiz nights, a sponsored silence and even a run equivalent to the full distance of the M25.
Simon has now been honoured with a special plaque at Wells lifeboat station, as well as having his name and those of his two sons added to the Exmouth lifeboat through the Launch a Memory campaign.
If you’ve been inspired by these stories to take on your own fundraising challenge, there is further information and inspiration available on our Raise Money pages. And if you spot a fundraiser going above and beyond that you’d like to see in the spotlight, let us know at [email protected].