EMMA’S ON THE RUN FROM TEDDINGTON TO RAISE £2500 FOR RNLI
Up and running Emma leaves Teddington for her big challenge with RNLI flag on her back
Emma Kirwin today received a big send-off from volunteers at Teddington’s RNLI lifeboat station as she began a gruelling 350-mile fund-raising challenge.
Over the next six months Emma, 46, from Littlehampton, will run between each of the 24 South East Coast RNLI stations, including the Isle of Wight, as well as the four located along the Thames.
She set off from the Teddington lifeboat station near the Wharf restaurant earlier today (fri) and headed her along the river to Chiswick lifeboat station and then Tower Bridge where she will rest overnight.
The next day will take her to Gravesend, and Sheerness and onwards before ending her feat at Mudeford in Dorset. She hopes to raise over £2500.
Emma was inspired to undertake the challenge having lived in Littlehampton for 16 years and as a regular visitor to her local lifeboat station.
She said: “Every time I visit I’m overwhelmed by everyone’s kindness, commitment and dedication and feel great admiration for the all the volunteers.
“As I visit each station, I hope to gain an understanding of the many different RNLI roles and the incredible part they play within our communities.
“I want to help raise funds for and awareness of the teams, roles and extensive training required to be part of the incredible RNLI crew within a station.”
Lifeboat Operations Manager Matt Allchurch and members of the Teddington RNLI Lifeboat Station gathered to cheer Emma on her way.
He said, ‘I am always amazed at the challenges that others undertake in order to raise funds for the RNLI. People like Emma are important in keeping us afloat, helping to save lives at sea and on our rivers.”
Teddington RNLI also announced details of its special dedication service and ceremony to mark the arrival of its new lifeboat, called Alderman Penny Shelton donated by long-time supporter Hilary Saw in memory of her sister.
The event will take place on Saturday, September 2nd on the slipway near the Teddington lifeboat station and will be attended by local dignitories. Hilary Saw will ‘present’ the new lifeboat to operations manager Matt Allchurch and the local RNLI volunteer crew.
As is traditional, the ceremony will include appropriate hymns performed by the various Landmark Arts Centre choirs and blessings and prayers by Lifeboat Station Chaplain, the Rev. Chris Kennedy.
· If you are interested in volunteering or supporting the RNLI, visit https://rnli.org/support-us/volunteer/how-you-can-volunteer
