In 2023 we lost two people who were keenly interested in the work of the RNLI and fundraised for the institution.

Our friend of 40 years, Alan Perks, who took every opportunity to support the lifeboats on his visits to the coast, and my father, Trevor Coles, who ran a campaign in the 1980’s which funded an inshore boat named ‘The Marlborough Club’

In memory of these two influential men, myself and my partner Debbie will visit all 238 RNLI lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland ( including the two build and repair facilities).

We intend to complete this ‘Grand Tour’ within a year, and to donate to each station 3 jars of ‘Betty’s 5ps’ which we have collected from our amazing friends and family prior to taking on our challenge.

All costs incurred during the challenge ;(accommodation, fuel, ferries, flights and time off work ) will be covered by ourselves, and will form our own donation to the fundraising. This means every single public donation will go to the RNLI.