In 2014 Littlehampton RNLI received their new D Class lifeboat Ray of Hope which was funded by a donation from Ray and Val Humby. This year their son David and a few friends are riding their bikes from Aldeburgh RNLI station to Littlehampton.
David said, “As part of the 50th Anniversary of Littlehampton RNLI station and in a moment of madness, he, his neighbour Nick and a few other friends decided that it would be a good idea to link our local station in Aldeburgh with Littlehampton and raise funds for both while cycling from one to the other.”
“A total journey of 178 miles in 2 days starting Saturday 29 April, departing Aldeburgh at 10.00am with a stopover in Orpington, Kent at approximately 5.30pm after negotiating the many towns in Essex and a Ferry Crossing. On the following day we’ll be leaving at 10.30am hoping to arrive in Littlehampton no later than 4.00pm for a well-deserved beverage! The timings are based on an average speed of 16 mph, but we’re hoping to do it quicker but who knows what could happen!”
“My family has always had the Lifeboat bug and whilst Aldeburgh station is the first I remember visiting at the age of 10 the D-Class Inshore lifeboat ‘Ray of Hope’ stationed in Littlehampton is particularly close to our hearts. It costs £1,593 to kit out one crew member in the required protective gear but we’re hoping to beat that target – so to encourage you to part with your well-earned cash Adnams and Greene King Breweries have both kindly donated a crate of beer these will be sent to the 2 individuals who donate the most!
In addition to the promise of Beer, Nick has challenged his colleagues at NatWest Bank to raise at least £500 towards the total target and if cycling to Littlehampton wasn’t hard enough if his staff and colleagues reach the £500 he’s agreed to let his fellow managers wax his legs!!
The crews of the RNLI are all volunteers and unpaid but still willing to go out in all weathers whenever asked. There are also 3 stations on the River Thames and these are the busiest stations in the country! Crews also volunteer for Flood Rescue Teams whenever the need arises. On average the RNLI save 22 lives a day and is totally funded by charitable donations. Without the support of the great British public these rescues just wouldn’t be possible.”
“Thanks for your support and please give generously” By following the link: – http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/RNLIRide