Couple undertaking charity drive in Porsche stop at Tipperary RNLI station

Belinda and James Richardson, from London, are travelling 8,500 miles in their Porsche 911, to visit all 238 lifeboat stations in 911 hours.

After starting in Morecambe in England on Friday, August 23, the couple have visited Lough Derg RNLI Lifeboat Station.

This funsraising event is to raise funds for a new relief D class inshore lifeboat

At 7pm on Wednesday evening, August 28, Belinda and James Richardson arrived at Lough Derg RNLI on their journey to visit all 238 lifeboat stations in 911 hours. A number of volunteers, Operational and Fundraising, were there to greet them and extend a warm welcome.

Also present were Vanessa and Michael Nagle, who sponsored the Porsche 911 visit to Lough Derg RNLI in memory of their late father, who spent many years cruising on the Shannon.

Vanessa and Michael had driven from Swords in County Dublin, especially for the event.

Michael presented the crew with a specially commissioned jigsaw to mark the bicententary of the RNLI.

Belinda gave an account of their journey thus far and their reasons for this important fundraiser for the charity. Having done research some years before on our station, Belinda presented the volunteers with a card game quiz on Lough Derg RNLI,

As Lough Derg was the final visit for the day, Christine O’Malley, Lifeboat Operations Manager at Lough Derg RNLI, arranged for refreshements to be served to our guests before they continued on their journeys.

Niamh McCutcheon, Chairperson of Lough Derg RNLI Fundraising Committee, RNLI Council member, Ireland and an RNLI Vice-President said: "In this our 200th year it is wonderful to see the commitment of people like Belinda and James as they undertake their quest to visit all Lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland. They bring awareness of the charity whilst raising vital funds. This dedication supports the future of the RNLI and its lifesaving work."

Jayne George, RNLI Director of Fundraising, said: ‘We are so grateful to Belinda and James for taking on this huge challenge and look forward to welcoming them at all of our lifeboat stations around the coast.

"We are only able to save lives at sea thanks to the generous support of people taking on challenges like this, and we’re honoured Belinda and James have decided to raise even more money to fund a new D class inshore lifeboat.

"In 2023 alone, D class lifeboats saved 96 lives and helped 2,028 people in difficulty. Belinda and James' 911 challenge will help continue that lifesaving legacy."

To donate to their challenge, visit https://rnli-911challenge.co.uk/