The Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) has launched its Mayday Mile fundraising campaign, following increased demand on its services last year.
The British charity, which will celebrate its 200th anniversary next year, is calling on the public to walk, jog, hop or skip one mile a day every day in May, to raise money for vital equipment.
It comes as the RNLI’s operational figures revealed that its crews and beach lifeguards saved 506 lives in 2022, nearly 100 more than the previous year (408).
“As a charity, we rely on the generous support of members of the public to continue this lifesaving work.
“We need ongoing fundraising – now, more than ever – to keep providing our lifesavers with the best equipment and training for their important lifesaving role, which is why we’re calling on people to support our lifesavers this May.
“Every Mayday Mile completed will help give our lifesavers everything they need to continue to keep people safe this summer – and beyond.
“It’s so easy to get involved, and to have fun whilst helping the RNLI save lives.”
RNLI volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland coastlines.
Three of its Kent lifeboats – from the Dungeness, Dover and Ramsgate stations – were launched in the English Channel on March 3, after a fire started on a ferry with nearly 200 people on board.
Those interested can sign up for the fundraiser at https://rnli.org/mayday/mayday-mile?utm_source=pressrelease&utm_medium=vanity&utm_campaign=maydaymile_2023&utm_content=supportmayday_pr
