This is how episodes of the RNLI TV (BBC iPlayer) show often start, and it usually gives me and others a smile and also has become some sort of a running gag. Eventually, their reality show is how I learned about the RNLI and also how I got interested in what they do.

But, hang on - actually - it was my wife Katy, who dragged me into it with her excitement about visiting a lifeboat station and its vessels whenever there was a chance during vacations, or following their latest lifeboat launches (well, see here if you are a lifeboat geek too).

Why RNLI?

Well, I will be running the London Marathon in 2024, and have chosen to dedicate my run to support the incredible work of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI).

Please join me on this journey and contribute to a cause that helps maintain a crucial safety net for those who face the unpredictable nature of the sea every day but also provides a lifeline for coastal communities, tourism, and leisure water activities.

While I have not grown up at the seaside, I always dreamed of living close to the seaside, and love visiting places located near the ocean or the sea. I deeply appreciate the power and beauty of nature and the sea, and I understand how important it is to provide life-saving services to those who make their living on the water, the coastal communities as well as related education.

The RNLI's volunteers epitomize courage and selflessness and drop everything at a moment's notice to answer distress calls, heading out into treacherous waters to rescue those in peril. This dedication and fearlessness in the face of adversity have inspired me to lace up my running shoes and take on the London Marathon on their behalf.

What does the RNLI do?

So, what do they do?

In 2022, more than 9,300 lifeboats were launched, 16,500 people were aided, 389 lives were saved, and on average 45 people helped every single day.

+++ Lifeboat Search and Rescue. RNLI lifeboat crews are on-call 24/7, ready to respond to emergency calls and launch lifeboats to rescue those in distress at sea.

+++ Lifeguarding. RNLI lifeguards patrol beaches across the UK and Ireland during the summer months, ensuring the safety of beachgoers and providing immediate response to emergencies.

+++ Water Safety Education. The RNLI is committed to educating the public on water safety through various initiatives and programs.

For more info, please visit this page on RNLI.

Help me support RNLI

Running for the RNLI is not just about completing the London marathon. As I pound the pavement and roads, each step (there will be a lot of them) will resonate with the collective heartbeat of the RNLI community, a community dedicated to saving lives and making our shores safer.

I invite you to be a part of this journey. Your donation will not only propel me through the London Marathon but, more importantly, it will fuel the RNLI's ongoing mission to save lives at sea. Every contribution plays a vital role in ensuring that the RNLI can continue its invaluable services.

Where does your donation go? - Visit website for more details.

A donation to the RNLI makes you a lifesaver. It will help train the lifeboat crews and lifeguards, provide them with lifesaving equipment, or support them operationally.

Ok, I'd better get out and running. Thank you so much for your support. If you’re near London please come along on the day, I’d love to see you round the course. It will be a warm morning in April, for sure!

Mark