A BASINGSTOKE woman is running 50.5 miles to help raise funds for a charity that saves lives at sea around the coasts of the United Kingdom.

Kate Stones is raising money for Royal National Lifeboat Institution’s (RNLI) 24/7 search and rescue lifeboat service and seasonal lifeguard service.

The fundraiser is part of RNLI’s annual Mayday fundraising campaign.

Kate, who is Chair of the Basingstoke RNLI Fundraising Branch, will join hands with another RNLI volunteer from Littlehampton to together run 102 miles during this month.

Basingstoke and Littlehampton are two fundraising branches of the RNLI and 102 miles is the distance between the West Sussex and Hampshire towns.

Kate and Padhraig Murphy, from Littlehampton, will each run 50.5 miles in their own areas between 1 May and 28 May. On 29 May, they will run their final mile together in Littlehampton – from Littlehampton RNLI Lifeboat Station to Littlehampton Pier and back. They’ll be cheered on by friends and family, and the RNLI’s mascot, Stormy Stan.

Kate said: “As a very amateur runner, attempting to run 51 miles is probably the craziest idea I’ve ever had! But whatever hurdles I face during this, it’s nothing compared to the bravery and challenges the lifeboat crews and lifeguards face, and it’s always humbling to remember that.

“This is the first time we’ve collaborated with one of the coastal lifeboat stations and – as one of our nearest stations – it’s brilliant to be building this new relationship with Littlehampton. We hope this is the start of many more fundraising events together – although hopefully the next one will be less gruelling!”

Padhraig said: “I’m looking forward to my 51 miles on the road for a great cause. It’s a privilege to be able to fundraise for the brave and heroic lifeboat crews of the RNLI.”

Padhraig and Kate are being joined in their fundraising efforts by Cian Mathews, the recently appointed Chairperson of Littlehampton RNLI’s fundraising branch. Cian is cycling 102 miles throughout May in aid of the RNLI.

Cian said: “102 miles on a bike may not sound like a lot to an all-weather cyclist, but for me it is! It’s also not only about the distance, but the time I will need to dedicate to this. I am already very busy with work and a young family, as well as my other RNLI fundraising duties, so to fit time in for cycling will be a challenge!

“But this time dedication is but a drop in the ocean compared to the time dedicated by our incredible crews; mums and dads who drop everything at the sound of a pager and selflessly race to assist those in peril on the sea.”

The RNLI’s annual Mayday fundraising campaign raises funds to keep lifesavers kitted and trained to deal with emergencies – so that they can save lives at sea. To find out more, visit: https://rnli.org/mayday

To support Padhraig and Kate, visit: https://register.rnli.org/ps/event/TheMaydayMile2022/team/Basingstoke-amp-Littlehampton

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