All 46 Irish RNLI stations visited in 21 days as UK couple complete whirlwind tour in Rosslare

Allan and Helen Thornhill visited all 238 RNLI lifeboat stations across the UK and Ireland as a fundraising challenge. They started at Teddington in London on June 1, 2024, during the RNLI’s 200th anniversary year. Their tour of the island of Ireland began on April 26 from Kilmore Quay, visiting all 46 Irish RNLI locations within 21 days. Rosslare Harbour was the penultimate stop, and their final visit is planned for Poole in Dorset at 2.38pm. At Rosslare Harbour, they met the volunteer crew in the boathouse and exchanged stories. The campaign has raised more than £4,000, supporting RNLI lifesaving work. RNLI crews saved 437 lives at sea in 2024, and the 238 stations form a ring of safety along the coasts.

"Allan and Helen Thornhill were recently welcomed to Rosslare Harbour RNLI as part of their remarkable fundraising challenge to visit all 238 RNLI lifeboat stations across the UK and Ireland. The couple began their ambitious journey at Teddington in London on June 1, 2024, during the 200th anniversary year of the RNLI. Their tour of the island of Ireland commenced on April 26 this year in nearby Kilmore Quay, with all 46 Irish RNLI locations visited over a 21-day period."

"Rosslare Harbour marked the penultimate stop on their journey, with their final call due to take place in Poole in Dorset at the end of May, where they plan to arrive at 2.38pm in recognition of the 238 stations visited during the challenge. During their visit to Rosslare Harbour, Allan and Helen met with the volunteer crew in the boathouse, where stories and experiences were exchanged in what RNLI members described as a fascinating and enjoyable occasion."

"The fundraising campaign has already raised more than £4,000 for the RNLI, with donations supporting the charity's lifesaving work around the coasts of the UK and Ireland. The RNLI, which celebrated its 200th anniversary in 2024, is powered largely by volunteers and public donations. In 2024 alone, RNLI crews saved 437 lives at sea. The 238 lifeboat stations of the RNLI create a ring of safety around the coasts of the UK and Ireland."

"Speaking about the challenge, Allan and Helen said they had been supporters of the RNLI for many years and wanted to mark the organisation's bicentenary by undertaking a unique fundraising initiative."

Read at Irish Independent