Seven-year-old takes on Mayday challenge to raise funds for lifesaving charity
Seven-year-old Leo Candler walked or cycled a mile or more every day in May to raise funds for the lifesaving charity that holds a special place in his heart.
Leo Candler from Pembrokeshire, walked or cycled more than a mile every day throughout May to raise funds as part of the RNLI’s Mayday Mile challenge. Leo completed a total of 61 miles during the month.
Leo’s particularly passionate about the lifesaving charity’s work as his dad Scott works as a Lifeguard Assessor Trainer and volunteers on St Davids’ Lifeboat crew.
Some of Leo, his three-year-old brother Zane and their parents’ walks have involved walking to or from a lifeboat station and visiting RNLI lifeguards at Whitesands Beach.
Simona Candler Leo’s mum said:
‘The RNLI has always been a massive part of Leo’s life. Starting with yellow wellies as a toddler, supporting his dad at the beaches, watching lifeboat launches and visiting the RNLI college – he’s always loved it!
‘Leo’s always been the RNLI’s number one fan. He looks forward to meeting lifeguards on the beach and listening to school talks. He’s always sharing his own water safety knowledge with others when he’s in the sea in the summer.
‘Even though Leo is only seven, he has a strong understanding of the importance of the RNLI’s work in the UK and abroad, as his dad spent some time in Bangladesh supporting the set up of their lifeguard service.
‘It was amazing to see a boy of his Leo’s age so determined to get the miles in every day to achieve his goal. Our youngest Zane is following in his footsteps and got involved too, we’re so proud of them both.
‘Since he could talk, Leo’s always made it clear he wants to be a lifeguard one day like his dad. According to Leo, the RNLI runs in his blood.’
Leo’s fundraising target was £125, he has already smashed this with a current total of £286. Leo’s fundraiser runs until the end of June, to donate visit: RNLI - Leo Candler
Media Contacts
For more information, please contact Anya Walton Communications Placement at [email protected] or call 07977468268. Alternatively, please contact the RNLI Press Office at [email protected] or call 01202336789.
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.
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Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries
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