Porsche pair to hit the road for epic RNLI fundraising journey

Courier Country locations are on the list for a couple planning to visit all 238 RNLI lifeboat stations in 911 hours to raise money for the charity.

Belinda and James Richardson from Bermondsey will arrive in Queensferry on August 27 before visiting Kinghorn, Anstruther, Broughty Ferry, Arbroath, Montrose and Stonehaven the following day.

Already planning a retirement trip in a Porsche 911, it was the work of the RNLI, told in the BBC documentary Saving Lives At Sea, which inspired the challenge.

Starting on August 23, the couple will take on the gruelling coast-tocoast challenge in their orange 911 with a fundraising target of £56,644 – £238 for each stop on the 7,000mile journey.

James said: “We have been fervent supporters of the RNLI since owning an inflatable on the Thames over 20 years ago.

“We have had a passion for owning a Porsche 911 for more than 50 years.

“We want to put something back into society by supporting a truly worthy cause such as the RNLI. We are always at our happiest when visiting the British Isles coastline – come sun, wind, or storm.

“The purpose of the challenge is to raise funds for the RNLI, to raise awareness of the RNLI, and to set ourselves a ‘once in a lifetime’ challenge for the benefit of others.

“RNLI rescues thousands and saves hundreds of lives at sea every year and it cost £177.3 million to run in 2016.”

Starting at Teddington lifeboat station at 9.11am, the couple will drive anti-clockwise around the coast including Shetland, the Western Isles and Ireland.

Planning began last November for the challenge which will involve 10 hours a day behind the wheel, with just 15 minutes per station to stop, meet the crew and take a short break.

Belinda and James hope to finish on September 30 at Tower lifeboat station on the Thames which is the RNLI’S busiest with an average of 10 shouts a week.

Details are on rnli-911challenge. co.uk or their Just Giving page.