North Kessock RNLI crew in Highlands issue 620-mile challenge to supporters as coronavirus hits fundraising
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PEOPLE who appreciate the lifesaving role of Ross-shire volunteers on call 24/7 throughout the year are being asked to show their support by taking on a fun challenge.
In common with all lifeboat crew, the North Kessock RNLI has been forced over the past four months to pull the plug on all of the fundraising events it normally depends on to help fund the voluntary service.
The crew, which continued to operate through the lockdown period and responded to a number of call-outs, is challenging supporters to walk, run, cycle or skip a fundraising mile to support.
It has set itself a target of completing a cumulative 620 miles – roughly the distance between the RNLI lifeboat station which sits underneath the Kessock Bridge and the charity's headquarters in Poole.
People taking part are asked to buy an RNLI Kessock Mile ticket to help raise funds and put themselves in line for a prize.
A spokesman said: "Purchase a ticket and join us! This summer we are all facing different challenges and uncertainty. But there’s one thing you can rely on: our crew. We are still on call ready to launch at a moment's notice.
"The team at Kessock have launched a number of times during lockdown to a range of emergency situations. All our normal fundraising activities have been cancelled including our family favourite open day at the station. As a result we are facing a funding shortfall and would like to ask you to stand with us and complete a lifesaving mile as part of our crew to help us weather this storm.
"Please join us on our virtual 620 mile trip to RNLI Headquarters at Poole by signing up and completing your mile-you can walk, run, cycle, skip, pogo stick...the choice is yours!"
All finishers will receive a digital certificate and prizes for favourite photos and some lucky RNLI Kessock Mile ticket holders will be given.
The spokesman added: "Thank you for supporting us and we look forward to a time when we can welcome you back to our station. Thank you so much for your support. We depend on it now more than ever."
The event will run until August 31.
To sign up, see https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/rnli-kessock-mile-tickets-113603858198
