My Great Grandfather Bo (Bawden) was a Lifeboatman back in the day; little wonder that my Grandmother couldn’t walk past a Lifeboat box without putting in a few pennies – each and every time. It’s a habit she passed on to me.

I grew up in a Cornish fishing village, with many friends and family members making their living on the sea. Making a living through the sea is hard work and carries significant dangers. Knowing that the RNLI had their backs, made the individuals and our communities feel safer & supported, no matter what the situation, whatever the weather.

Every member of a RNLI crew is a volunteer. Those volunteers are part of your community; they are your friends and mine. The volunteers are no ordinary people however, exhibiting a selflessness, bravery and dedication that is second to none.

The RNLI is part of the DNA of a coastal community. If you are in trouble on the seas, the RNLI will launch in your support, whatever the time of day, whatever the weather.

Volunteers put their lives on the line to support those working on the seas and those having fun on the water - it seems appropriate to support them back.

I have decided to run the London Marathon and I am very proud to be able to run for the RNLI. It is my honour to run in support of such a worthy cause that has such personal affiliations.

The RNLI is funded primarily by donations - 92% of total income comes from donations. As a charity that is independent of the government, the RNLI receives no government funding. To give you an idea of the cost of the kit and training; the average cost of training is £1400, the ILB dry suits costs £800, a thermal suit costs £230 and a life jacket costs £336.

Please support my endeavour to run 26.2 miles by finding room in your charity budget to support the RNLI…..thank you!

Too many people are still drowning. More than ever we need the RNLI's help. As a charity, the RNLI depends on our donations so it can go on saving lives and keeping us and our loved ones safe. RNLI lifesavers are our lifeline. They are the lifeboat crews who provide 24-hour search and rescue right around the UK and Ireland. The lifeguards keeping watch on 240 of the busiest beaches in the UK and Channel Islands. And the RNLI safety teams and educators working tirelessly to stop people getting into trouble in the first place. Thank you.