As the RNLI launches its annual Mayday fundraising campaign on Friday 1 May, supporters are stepping up to take on the Mayday Mile challenge — covering a mile a day throughout May to help save lives at sea.
From lifeboat volunteers to horseback fundraisers, early participants are taking on this year’s campaign in different and creative ways. Among those going the distance is Johanna Bayliss-Fuller, who will be completing her miles on horseback alongside her 23-year-old horse, Donkey.
Johanna, who lives near Hadleigh, Suffolk, has owned Donkey since he was just two years old, and the pair have spent decades exploring the countryside together. Johanna also has a connection to the RNLI through her great-grandfather Sydney Herbert-Seager and grandfather Albert Edward Seager who volunteered for Clacton- on- Sea RNLI.
Johanna said: ‘My mother would tell stories of my grandmother watching Albert in action during rough seas. Sadly, I never met my grandfather. However, I do remember my mother always donating to the RNLI growing up and I would drop coins into the boat-shaped collection boxes as a child. RNLI volunteers are inspiring and I want to do my bit to help them continue to save lives.’
Their 2026 challenge is particularly meaningful after Donkey was seriously unwell last summer.
Johanna said: ‘I wasn’t sure if we would still be here, let alone riding. But after a lot of love, time and food, he is still going strong. I’m just so grateful that we can continue exploring together.’
To support Johanna follow this link – RNLI – Johanna Bayliss-Fuller
The RNLI relies on public donations to power its lifesaving service, with crews ready to launch 24/7 in all weathers.
Great Pottery Throwdown presenter Keith Brymer Jones and his wife Marj will also be carrying out the Mayday Mile on Sunday May 3 in Pwllheli as part of the stations fundraising event.
Other fundraisers include crew from Sheerness planning a 5k in full RNLI kit, Georgie and Angus doing it for their Dad who volunteers at Portree RNLI, Alan whose Dad, Brother and Nephew have volunteered at Littlestone lifeboat station – and a team of teddies doing it to honour their friend.
There’s still time to take part and help our crews have the equipment and training they need throughout the summer months –https://fundraise.rnli.org/event/mayday-mile/home
