Dart RNLI supporter Babs raises valuable cash for new station

Babs handed over her gift towards the new Dart lifeboat station after taking part in the RNLI Mayday campaign, walking an impressive 208 miles.

She raised £774 in total, with £617 from online donations going to the RNLI, and £157 in cash for the Dart fund.

After giving the cash to acting Dart Fundraising Chair John Butler outside the current home, Babs said: ‘I have always been a supporter of the RNLI.

‘In my teens I got stuck under a canoe and could have drowned, and I didn’t go near water for four years after that.

‘But now, when my husband and I go on holiday we always visit the nearest lifeboat station and try to raise money.

‘This year I challenged myself to walk 100 miles! I thought that maybe that was a big ask in May alone, so I started a bit earlier. I shouldn't have doubted myself as I walked a total of 208 miles.

‘We are holidaying at Torcross this year, so I thought it ideal to bring the cash raised towards the new station.

‘I have total admiration for the RNLI and all the volunteers. It is so important to support this cause and I am proud to be a lifesaver by helping whenever I can.’

Babs, 71, lives in Milton Keynes but would do even more for the charity if she had the opportunity. “If I was living nearby I’d be a volunteer. I have such massive respect for the work you all do.’

Chair John added: ‘ We are very grateful to Babs and full of admiration for her challenge.

‘Every penny counts in getting towards our target for the new station, which will help the aim of saving lives at sea.

‘Hopefully Babs can pay another visit when we are open. She is always welcome.’

RNLI media contacts

For more information please contact Dominic Hart, Dart RNLI press officer, on 07767 764144 or the RNLI Press Office on 01202 336789 or at [email protected].

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

Key facts about the RNLI

The RNLI charity 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 over 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and, in a normal year, 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.

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.