Laura Hutchins Payne
Laura's Blenheim Triathlon page
Fundraising for RNLI - Royal National Lifeboat Institution
Story
I am seeking to raise money for the RNLI for RNLI - Royal National Lifeboat Institution because without their help in 2013 I wouldn’t be here to participate in this event.
Story
The photo above shows my boat, Blue Boat, being rescued by the RNLI after the boom caught me and smashed me against the cabin, fracturing my skull, as the surgeon said, like a boiled egg.
I was lying unconscious in the cockpit, and poor Steven had to care for me, manage the boat, manage the dog, and radio for help. The first RNLI boat called for back up, and after they had assessed me, they radioed for a helicopter, The mahusive RNLI boat on the right had a helicopter landing pad. In the event, the RNLI decided my condition was too poor to move me to another boat, so they winched me up to the helicopter and flew me to Southampton Hospital, where I was well looked after, before I was able to go home. The incident was filmed by the RLNI, and was televised on BBC1 Real Life Rescues. I had six months off work, and then a phased return to work
My friends, Sue and John, suggested I do the Blenheim Triathlon because I enjoy swimming, cycling, and running. The training has been fun, and I have been lucky enough to be supported in my swimming by my friend Judi, and other swimmers at WOSC. I have relished the cycling with Steven, and benefited from support and encouragement for both the cycling and running from Eynsham Road Runners.
Now that the Triathlon is really happening, I would like to show my support for the RNLI. If you are able to help them, that would be wonderful.
Too many people are still drowning. More than ever we need the RNLI’s 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. They’re 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.
The clip below is a montage of RNLI work in 2013, and includes a snippet of our rescue