WORKINGTON RNLI’s treasurer laced up his trainers on Sunday to take part in his London Marathon. As a charity, we depend on your support to help us meet the cost of saving lives at sea.
Volunteer lifesavers give their time for free, but they need training, well-maintained equipment, lifeboats and shore facilities.
Like thousands of others across the country, Wayne Fox had won a place at the annual event, which was due to take place in April.
He set himself a £2,300 target for the RNLI. But due to the coronavirus pandemic, organisers first postponed the race to October, then urged people to run their own marathon distances instead of taking part in an organised event.
Wayne, 34, who has been volunteer treasurer for the RNLI since 2013, plotted his own route from Workington RNLI’s station house at the Port of Workington to neighbouring St Bees Lifeboat Station.
His route took in Workington, Whitehaven, Cleator Moor, Egremont and the villages in between to make up the 26.2-mile marathon distance.
Wayne, a Sellafield Ltd management accountant was waved off by his wife Nicola, daughters Maisie, four and Molly, three, and members of the volunteer lifeboat crew.
Wayne, of Egremont, said he was feeling nervous, but proud to be raising money for the RNLI.
He said: “As a charity, we depend on your support to help us meet the cost of saving lives at sea. Our volunteer lifesavers give their time for free, but they need training, well-maintained equipment, lifeboats and shore facilities.”
He has so far raised almost £2,600 and donations are still pouring in.
To donate, visit https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/WayneFox2