On Saturday 26th September a group of intrepid lifeboat crew will answer the Docks to Docks Challenge and walk from Gloucester Docks to their lifeboat station at Sharpness Old Dock a distance of 16½ miles.

This distance might not seem a lot, but these volunteers will be walking in full lifeboat PPE a drysuit with heavy steel-toe-capped boots, full lifejacket and protective helmet. The kit weighs about 15kg (30lbs) and is designed for keeping lifeboat crew safe on the water, not for walking long distances.

The aim of the Docks to Docks Challenge walk is to raise funds for urgent maintenance to the lifeboat station at Sharpness. This grade II listed building is now 180 years old and needs extensive repairs to make it watertight, warm and safe for the 35 volunteer lifeboat crew who are based there.