It never ceases to amaze me the lengths people will go to raising funds for the RNLI and supporting our work. This article is just a snapshot of the support we receive every day every year.

We at Teddington RNLI also like to support people doing great work raising funds for other charities.

Recently Teddington RNLI Lifeboat Station welcomed Giles Harrison the ‘sleep walker’. As he said on twitter after completing his challenge on 27th June: ‘Well, that was a nice little walk. 140 miles in 3 days, with only 2 hours' sleep. All in aid of @CureParkinsonsT @Bowel_Cancer_UK and @RNLI. Any donations gratefully received at https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/fundraiserdisplay/showROFundraiserPage?userUrl=sleep.walk&pageUrl=2

On 23rd June we escorted two men, the marvellous Pat Hanlon and Dave Clark, through Teddington Lock to our station, as they completed a kayak of the non-Tidal Thames for Shooting Star Chase Children’s Hospice. A great achievement for a great cause. We provided tea and biscuits of course!

Earlier in the month (on 3rd June) we hosted the @CalshotRNLI team who cycled from @rnli_teddington back to their station visiting every @RNLI station along the way. That’s 350 miles! They fundraised for @RNLI @mssocietyuk @CombatStress @WessexCancer. You can donate at: https://t.co/fLo6kkEq73

In August we will host husband and wife team, James and Belinda Richardson’s RNLI-911 Challenge. As James says: ‘We want to raise awareness and funds for the RNLI, a charity we are passionate about. Our challenge involves driving a Porsche 911 anti-clockwise around the whole of the British Isles visiting all 238 RNLI Lifeboat stations within 911 hours.’ (www.rnli-911challenge.co.uk). They will start the challenge at 9.11am on 23rd August at RNLI Teddington!

So why do we value the support and why do we support our supporters!?

Because the RNLI could not operate without its supporters.

The RNLI saves lives at sea, in rivers and lochs, at piers, on beaches and on cliffs. Our volunteer lifeboat crews provide a 24-hour rescue service in the UK and Ireland, and our seasonal lifeguards look after people on busy beaches. Our Flood Rescue Team helps those affected by flooding. RNLI crews and lifeguards have saved over 142,200 lives since 1824 but we’re more than a rescue service. We influence, supervise and educate people too. Our Community Safety teams explain the risks and share safety knowledge with anyone going out to sea or to the coast. Our international teams work with like-minded organisations to help tackle drowning in communities at risk all around the world.

This summer over 24,000 people will need our lifesavers' help. Our education and safety campaigns will ensure that over 25,000 children will know how to swim safe in open waters. More than 3,700 launches are expected this summer. It’s 84% busier during summer months.

The RNLI is currently aiming to raise £625,000 this summer. So far £408, 188 has been raised.

As the RNLI says: ‘With 95% of our total income coming from generous donations and legacies, we depend on our dedicated volunteers and supporters to save lives. Your support means our lifeboat crews can reunite the 22 people they aid each day with their families. So, however you choose to get involved, you can feel good knowing you’re making a difference.’

Our lifesavers count on people like you reading this article and supporting us with your challenges! Your generosity and imagination makes the RNLI what it is.

Thank you for your support!

By Paul Stallard

Teddington RNLI Lifeboat Press Officer and Crew