My name is Kate Fleming. I am 26 years old and live in Ballycotton on the South East Coast of Ireland.

As part of my training for a Half Ironman (1.9km swim, 90km cycle, 21km run) in Youghal, Cork in August 2023, I want to raise funds for Ballycotton RNLI. I have been a trainee crew member with Ballycotton lifeboat since June 2022. It costs approximately €3,500 to train and kit out a volunteer crew member. I wish to raise that amount of money.

I have started an Instagram page - @kate_rnli_ironman to raise awareness of what is involved in becoming an RNLI crew member as well as to document my training for the Half Ironman.

I would really appreciate any donation you can make.

Thank you,

Kate

The Ballycotton Lifeboat station was established by the Institution in 1858 to afford protection to the shipping frequenting the port of Cork and together with the new stations at Youghal and Ardmore (closed 1895) and others contemplated to guard the English and Irish Channels. The crews at Ballycotton have been presented with 19 awards for gallantry – the most recent in 2002. For another rescue in 1936, Gold, Silver and Bronze medals were all awarded.

Keeping our Ballycotton lifeboat maintained, fuelled and ever ready to go to the rescue is expensive and we rely entirely on voluntary donations to ensure this service is maintained. Add to that crew training and kit, and the euros start to add up. Your donation will help support the run the Ballycotton lifeboat.

Our RNLI lifeboats in Ireland protect hundreds of communities through our 24-hour search and rescue service. They rely on the safest, most reliable lifeboats and modern stations to launch from.

Ireland's unrivaled coasts and inland waters are valued by local communities and visitors alike, with millions travelling to enjoy them, and work on them each year. But the water remains an unpredictable environment that can catch people out. People will always need our help and we will always be there to answer that call.