RNLI Tour of the North - 200 Mile Ride

Mark Hudson who’s leading this years annual event that’s been running since 2010 said, ‘Each year it’s a real joy to see the support of the 14 RNLI lifeboat stations we visit along the route, I can’t wait for this year as it’s the largest number of riders we’ve ever had’.

Mark Huson is also Vice Chair of the RNLI City of London Committee & soon to be joining as a volunteer crew member at Tower RNLI.

‘The rides were always in aid of Tower Lifeboat Station, however with the One Crew nature of the RNLI, we’ve always taken great pride in what they do and stretching it far and wide across the life saving charity.'

Mark added, ‘This isn’t an easy ride, and we have riders of all abilities, so it’s great to see the team come together and motivate each other in aid of the good cause.’

‘A lot of the riders have their own personal reasons for wanting to do the ride and support the RNLI, and these three days allow them to connect with the charity as part of that family ethos’

‘We’ve previously raised over £200,000 for the RNLI and we really believe this year could be our biggest yet, we’ve had tremendous support thanks to sponsors Hill Dickinson, Jersey Oil & Gas, Scotmid Co-Op, Stewart Brewing and Futtle, all support really helps make this ride happen…And in return, raise thousands for the charity.'

Tower RNLI Thames Commander Craig Burn has supported previous years in the support vehicle and will be driving again this year, he said, ‘It’s an honour to support this great charity ride, the atmosphere is always electric and it’s such a proud feeling knowing I can support them, when really they’re doing something amazing for a great charity. Mark, his brother Hugh, and all the other riders are the real heroes and the beating heart of the RNLI, without their support, we wouldn’t be able to save the lives on the River Thames and at sea like we do.'

The Route

Day One

Tynemouth RNLI

Cullercoats RNLI

Blyth RNLI

Newbiggin RNLI

Amble RNLI

Craster RNLI

Seahouses RNLI

Grace Darling Museum

Day Two

Berwick Upon Tweed RNLI

Eyemouth RNLI

Dunbar RNLI

North Berwick RNLI

Day Three

Queensferry RNLI

Kinghorn RNLI

Anstruther RNLI

Follow the ride across Tower RNLI social media and you can donate via the Just Giving page.

https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/rnlitourofthenorth

Notes to Editor

Tower RNLI, based in the heart of London, is our busiest lifeboat station. The crew are on the station 24/7, 365 days a year- ready to respond to any incident immediately.

RNLI media contacts

For more information please contact:

· Ashley Bard, RNLI volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer on [email protected]

· Hatti Mellor, Regional Communications Manager [email protected]

· RNLI Press Office on 01202 336789.

Key facts about the RNLI

The RNLI is the charity that saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland coasts. The RNLI operates 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and more than 240 lifeguard units on beaches around the UK and Channel Islands. The RNLI is independent of Coastguard and government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824, its lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved over 146,700 lives.

Learn more about the RNLI

For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, X, TikTok and YouTube. News releases, videos and photos are available on the News Centre.

Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries

Members of the public may contact the RNLI on 0300 300 9990 (UK) or 1800 991802 (Ireland) or by email.