Too many people are still drowning. More than ever we need the RNLIs help. As a charity, the RNLI depends on our donations so it can go on saving lives and keeping us and our loved ones safe. RNLI lifesavers are our lifeline. Theyre the lifeboat crews who provide 24-hour search and rescue right around the UK and Ireland. The lifeguards keeping watch on 240 of the busiest beaches in the UK and Channel Islands. And the RNLI safety teams and educators working tirelessly to stop people getting into trouble in the first place. 

Living on the Thames as I do with my family, I'm very aware that water can be dangerous, especially when the power of tide is underestimated. Here in the heart of London is the RNLI's busiest lifeboat station. I decided to run this year's London marathon for the RNLI as it is an amazing charity  - vital for our island nation - that also means a lot to me personally. Several years ago an RNLI crew rescued my husband and ship-mates in the English Channel and safely piloted their near-sinking barge back into Ramsgate. 

The RNLI receives no government funding, yet there are 238 lifeboat stations around the UK who rescue an average of around 23 people per day. This is to say nothing of the tens of thousands of lives saved through education and water safety training. Please give as generously as you can!