For many, Christmas is a time to over-indulge as we relax with family and friends, but this week the Wales and West RNLI Divisional Base team took part in the SOS Challenge to help raise vital funds for the charity that saves lives at sea.
9 RNLI staff cycled and rowed 8 miles to see if they could ‘Race the Tamar’ on Tuesday at Abergele Leisure Centre. A team of 4 cycled 8 miles in 35 minutes, and 8 staff members rowed the distance in 49 minutes. The RNLI team hope to raise a minimum of £200 by the end of January to raise funds for the charity’s official fundraising day that takes place on Friday 28 January 2011.
The new Tamar class lifeboat takes a mere 25 minutes to travel 8 miles across stormy waters. The RNLI volunteer lifeboat crews are challenging each other, and the public, to run, row or cycle in a friendly competition to see who can win the title ‘2011 SOS Challenge Champion’. Rhyl, Aberystwyth and Ramsey volunteer lifeboat crew have already completed the SOS Challenge and set the times for the Divisional Base and other lifeboat stations to beat this winter.
Colin Williams, Divisional Inspector explains why it’s important that we all take part and help raise vital funds:
‘The RNLI fundraisers work extremely hard throughout the year to ensue that money is raised to fund this life saving service. We as divisional staff wanted to play our part and help raise money for our charity that saves lives at sea.’
Colin continues:
‘I would like to encourage lifeboat crews from across the country to take part in the SOS Challenge this January – let’s see which station will be the SOS Challenge Champion in 2011.’
For information on how to take part in the RNLI SOS Challenge please contact the Fundraising Office on 0121 780 6960.
