Southend RNLI volunteers take on tough challenge in aid of suicide prevention

26 Obstacles over 6 kilometres and a £1,000 target.

The Commando Series isn’t just a run - it’s a battle against 26 elite obstacles, inspired by real Royal Marines training. Each one is designed to test your strength, endurance, and determination. Our Southend RNLI volunteers have a tough challenge ahead, but their determination raising awareness and funds for a good cause will see them through to the finish.

Team leader and RNLI volunteer Iain Keenan said: ‘As a lifeboat crew, through our involvement with the RNLI, we are acutely aware of issues of suicide, particularly in men. We have decided to come together as 1crew to raise funds but also to spend time together, talking, and raising awareness of the need for men to talk and share their worries.

‘As a team of eight we will train together, work together, and ultimately succeed together as we take on the 6k Commando course at Hever Castle on October 11th, in the hope of reaching our target and raising vital funds for Andy's Man Club. Let’s start the conversation’.

To support/donate to our volunteer’s challenge visit: https://www.justgiving.com/page/1crew-commando

ANDYSMANCLUB are a men’s suicide prevention charity, offering free to attend peer-to-peer support groups across the United Kingdom and online. They want to end the stigma surrounding men’s mental health and help men through the power of conversation. #ITSOKAYTOTALK

ANDY'S MAN CLUB MISSION

Our mission, put simply, is to prevent other families from going through the heartache and grief caused by suicide, by encouraging men to speak openly about their issues.

We aim to achieve this through our Monday night talking groups, and through the power of awareness, sharing stories and sharing experiences.

Find out more at: https://andysmanclub.co.uk/

For further information please contact:

• Nigel Gilchrist. Lifeboat Press Officer at Southend-on-Sea RNLI [email protected] or 07765875300
• Hatti Mellor | RNLI Regional Communications Manager – South East, [email protected]
• For enquiries outside normal business hours, contact the RNLI duty press officer on 01202 336789

Notes to Editors:

• Southend RNLI is one of the busiest coastal stations across the UK and Republic of Ireland.
• Southend RNLI cover approximately fifteen miles of shore from Shoeburyness to Canvey and beyond.
• For more information, please visit http://www.southendlifeboat.org/

RNLI online

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.