Nine-year-old supporter on his third Mayday Mile visits Hunstanton RNLI

The young supporter dropped into Hunstanton lifeboat station with his mum Helen, dad Mick and brother Ethan whilst the family were visiting the Norfolk seaside resort on Sunday, 25 May.

They met crew members who were washing down and refuelling RNLI lifeboat Spirit of West Norfolk after a training exercise, and saw hovercraft Hunstanton Flyer.

'He's done 42 miles and raised £195 so far,' said Helen. 'This is his third Mayday Mile and he's also done a Reindeer Run, he's raised just shy of £1,000 in total.'

Toby says on his Mayday Mile page, where people can donate on the RNLI website: 'I am at it again! Dragging my family out to walk with me.

'This May, I’m completing my third Mayday challenge to help RNLI crews save lives at sea.

'I want to raise money and awareness to support the RNLI and all the volunteers that give up their time and risk their own lives to keep us safe on our holidays.'

Helen added Toby's love of the charity that saves lives at sea was inspired by his grandfather Stephen Greensmith, who is a governor member.

'Pops loves all the boats and the importance of what they do,' she said. 'Toby will be the one who grows up and moves to the coast so he can join the RNLI.'

This year's Mayday Mile has so far raised almost £250,000, with more than 3,000 entrants clocking up around 40,000 miles between them.

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

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