This years London Marathon will have a double dose of fundraising for the new Mumbles Tamar Lifeboat appeal. 2 runners from a local running club will take on the mammoth task while raising funds at the same time.
Tony Henebury and Neil Lewis from Swansea Jack Hash House Harriers will travel to London on Saturday to prepare for the race.
Tony who owns the ‘Thought for Paws’ pet food supplies store in Sketty says:
‘This is my first ever marathon so I wanted to the money raised to be for a special cause, My first goal is to finish the race, I’ve done 20 miles as a little taster and I think I should be able to finish the marathon in under 5 hrs.’
Tim Conway, RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager at The Mumbles says:
‘The RNLI is a voluntary service which receives no government funding. It’s only through the efforts of fundraisers like Tony and Neil that we can continue to save lives around the British coastline, we’re eternally grateful for his efforts’.
The Mumbles Lifeboat station hit the headlines last summer when it was put to task six times in 24 hours. In July this year the volunteer crews’ day started at 4.22am and following the rescue of three boats and three calls for swimmers in the water ended at 1.20am the next day with no casualties.
Tony Henebury said:
‘Five hours running the streets of London seems little in comparison to 24hrs at sea saving peoples lives. The crew are all volunteers and if we can help them to get the best equipment to complete that task then all the better.’
Tony has a just giving site for web donations www.justgiving.com/thoughtsforpaws The RNLI has set a £150,000 fundraising target over the next three years towards a new £2.7m Tamar class boat for Mumbles.
The Tamar lifeboats are the most advanced vessels operated by the RNLI, providing all weather rescue capabilities and will replace the current Tyne class rescue boat that currently serves Mumbles.
