New RNLI lifeboat funded by couple’s Porsche 911 coast challenge. In other news – a royal visit!

A new Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) D class inshore lifeboat has been launched following a fundraising journey by a married couple who visited every RNLI lifeboat station in their Porsche 911.

The naming ceremony took place at Exmouth Lifeboat Station in Devon on Saturday 21 February, where the boat was officially named RNLI 911 – Challenge. The lifeboat was funded through the efforts of Belinda and James Richardson, who raised more than £130,000 for the charity.

In celebration of the RNLI’s 200th anniversary in 2024, the couple travelled around the entire coast of the UK and Ireland in their Porsche 911, visiting all 238 RNLI lifeboat stations.

Their journey began in Morecambe, Lancashire, on 23 August 2024 and finished in Peel on the Isle of Man exactly 911 hours later.

Reflecting on their fundraiser, James said:

“We were amazed by the giving mindset of everyone. Meeting the people involved, at any level within the RNLI, was wonderful.”

The couple originally aimed to raise £110,000 but ultimately secured more than £130,000. The funds paid for a D class lifeboat, along with training and kit for three volunteer crew members, with the remaining amount supporting maintenance.

In other news, earlier this month, Tower RNLI Lifeboat Station welcomed Their Royal Highnesses, The Prince and Princess of Wales. They visited the Waterloo Bridge base to learn more about the lifesaving work carried out on the Thames.

The Prince and Princess arrived by E class lifeboat with RNLI Commander Storm Smith-Suckoo and Crewmember Laura Lewis. They were welcomed by Deputy Director of Lifesaving Operations Ryan Hall and Tower Station Manager Kevin Maynard before meeting crew members over a ‘brew with the crew’, alongside Occupational Health and Wellbeing Manager Michelle Johnson.

Kevin said: ‘Welcoming Their Royal Highnesses to our station is an incredible privilege. They heard from our crew about the work they do, both to rescue people from the Thames and to prevent people from putting themselves at risk. One of our volunteers Laura Lewis was able to share the work she has been doing with the RNLI’s Welfare team to improve care and support for our crews. I am immensely proud of all our dedicated crew.’

Their Royal Highnesses also met RNLI lifeguards preparing to support The University Boat Race next month, alongside fundraisers and Bridgewatch volunteers working to prevent drowning and support vulnerable people near the water in central London.