This year I’m doing things a little differently.

Last year we sadly lost Matt’s grandfather Peter to his battle with cancer. At his memorial service, the family asked for donations to the RNLI, in recognition of Peter’s passion for sailing, a passion which was echoed by his children and which influenced Matt to join the Royal Navy. Without that decision, I never would have met him.

I’ve been fundraising by walking the UK’s National Trails for a few years now and I’m really looking forward to the Cumbria Way over Easter this year. But I’m going to have to take it easy. In Peter’s memory, his great-grandchild and I will be walking 71 miles through the Lake District, but as I’ll be 6 months pregnant I’m cutting down my daily miles and I’m not carrying too much or camping. Matt is going to be on hand throughout to pick me up at the end of each day and take me back to a hot meal and a bed. I’m not sure what I’ll be physically capable of, but I’m looking forward to the adventure!

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’re 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.