To raise funds for RNLI by running the London Marathon
|
A trio of volunteer RNLI lifeboat crew members who give their time to help save lives on the Thames will be raising money for the cause by running in the Virgin London Marathon this weekend.
Andy Mayo and Laura Ashman, from Chiswick RNLI lifeboat station, and Major General Keith Cima, from Tower RNLI lifeboat station, will all be taking part in the flagship running event on Sunday 25 April.
All three will be trying to raise money for the RNLI charity, which relies on voluntary contributions to help save lives at sea and on the River Thames. In 2009, the four RNLI lifeboat stations covering the tidal reaches of the river launched 749 times, rescuing a total of 278 people.
Laura Ashman, volunteer lifeboat crew member at Chiswick, said, "There are hundreds of charities which people represent in the marathon. But for me there was no question that it would be the RNLI – as a volunteer I see up close and personal the work the institution does.
"From lifeboat stations around the coast to here on the River Thames in London, from beach lifeguards in summer to sea safety education - the charity relies on thousands of volunteers who all play a part in help us save lives and keep people safe."
The fact that two of the busiest lifeboat stations in the UK and Republic of Ireland are represented in the nation’s biggest and most well-known running event garnered praise from within the RNLI.
Andrew Ashton, RNLI Divisional Inspector, said, "Time and time again we see lifeboat crew members stepping up to not only help save lives, but help raise the money that enable us to so. That to me is the epitome of going the extra mile – or in this case, 26 miles!"
The Virgin London Marathon takes place on Sunday 25 April - more than 200 people will be taking part to raise money for the Royal National Lifeboat Institution, all helping to raise the vital funds to help the charity continue saving lives at sea and on the River Thames.
For more information on Laura, Andy or Keith’s participation in the marathon, visit their Just Giving pages:
http://www.justgiving.com/LauraAshmanMarathon
http://www.justgiving.com/ANDY-MAYO69
http://www.justgiving.com/keith-cima
April 21, 2010