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I have chosen the RNLI as my charity to donate to as the whole organisation is funded by charitable contributions.  I work at The Diving Centre in Newcastle, and as Scuba Divers we are keen to help this needy cause.

I chose the Great North Run because it has a huge audiance and most people have heard of it, this will be my first Great North Run, so I'm traning hard and really looking forward to the big day!!

One of the main reasons I wish to run for the RNLI, is, these brave men and women will go out-and rescue people in difficulty at sea, in sometimes dreadful conditions- in usually the dead of night.  They are true heros and I know many of the crew of lifeboats have full-time jobs as well.  Making the commitment these people have shown should not go un-noticed and I feel they need all the help and suppot they can get.

It was early last year, early September when the Lifeboats and a search and rescue helicopter from RAF Boulmer helped a dear friend of ours.  Andrew Mckillup (Andy to us) had been snorkelling with a friend in Lady hole in Beadnell (a popular dive site for many of us) when he got into difficulties, just after 7pm on Tuesday 2nd September.  The Seahouses inshore lifeboat was launched and reached Andy in minutes, the faster smaller boat got to him first and haulled him into the boat, giving him the kiss of life and heart massage.  Soon after that the large all-weather lifeboat Grace Darling reached the small boat and joined the attempt to reveie Andy.  The sea conditions were calm and a Sea King helicopter was sent to Beadnell Harbour and he was in hospital 21 mins later.  Despite the brave attempts to save Andy, he tragically lost his fight for life.

I honestly don't think he had a better chance, or could have had better care than that of the lifeboat crew, search and rescue crew and of course the medical professionals at Wansbeck hospital.  We all know that time is precious in rescue situations and in this case proves it.  We cannot thank the crews enough for their valliant effort to save our friend, and every effort should be made so that they can continue to look after us, in the sea and on the land.  So if you dive, don't dive, snorkel or even just dip your toe in the waters around this fabulous coastline and scenery in the North East---Give us your money......Please!!

Ta

Debbie.