A new Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) lifeboat has been launched after a married couple raised more than £130,000 travelling to all 238 RNLI lifeboat stations in their Porsche 911.
On Saturday 21 February, many gathered to watch the naming ceremony of a new D class inshore lifeboat in Exmouth Lifeboat Station, Devon. Aptly named RNLI 911 – Challenge, the efforts of Belinda and James Richardson funded the lifeboat.
In celebration of the RNLI’s 200th anniversary in 2024, Belinda and James Richardson embarked on a road trip in their Porsche 911 that took them around the entirety of the coast of the UK and Ireland.
Beginning in Morecambe, Lancashire, they finished their journey in Peel, Isle of Man, exactly 911 hours after they started on 23 August 2024.
Reflecting on their fundraiser, James said: ‘We were amazed by the giving mindset of everyone. Meeting the people involved, at any level within the RNLI, was wonderful.’
They aimed to raise £110,000, but ultimately received more than £130,000 for the lifesaving organisation. Their contribution was not only enough to pay for a D class lifeboat, but also allowed for the complete training and kit for three volunteer crew members, with the remaining amount supporting any necessary boat maintenance.
Jayne George, Chief Fundraising and Communications Officer, said: ‘We would like to express our most sincere gratitude once more to Belinda and James for the fundraising they have done for us over the years.
‘It is a privilege to name this D class inshore lifeboat in recognition of their monumental efforts, and RNLI 911 – Challenge will go on to help fulfil our mission of saving lives at sea. It is only through the generosity of supporters like Belinda and James, and the many supporters across our RNLI community, that we are able to do so.’
Image:Stacie Nicoll/Antreth Photography
The D class is a vital part of the RNLI lifeboat fleet, first introduced in 1963. They are best used for rescues when navigating obstacles, and for coping with the surf and shallow water.
RNLI 911 – Challenge is now part of the RNLI’s essential relief fleet, meaning it will come to the aid of any station that needs it. A relief lifeboat is invaluable when a station’s regular boat is unavailable. In 2024, RNLI relief lifeboats launched 717 times, helping 730 people.
Alongside Belinda and James, over 50 of their friends and supporters headed to Exmouth for the event. RNLI volunteers and staff were also in attendance.
RNLI Vice President, Mark Dowie, opened proceedings.
Belinda, James and their donors then handed the lifeboat into the care of the charity.
Reverend Steve Jones led the Service of Dedication, which featured a performance by The Sea Shanty Men.
After officially naming the D class inshore lifeboat, a Vote of Thanks closed the proceedings.
Fortunately, the weather allowed for a demonstration of the lifeboat, led by the volunteer crew.
Belinda said: ‘We were very excited to see the culmination of so much work. It’s thanks to our sponsors for their generosity and to anyone who donated.
‘It’s so lovely to have something tangible come out of the fundraising. I think that’s what really resonates with the sponsors; it’s something that they can touch and see. They know that they’ve been part of creating something that will save a life.’
