A COUPLE who are attempting to visit all the UK’s lifeboat stations in 911 hours in their RNLI decked out Porsche 911 ticked Swanage off the list following a visit last week.

Belinda and James Richardson, from London, set themselves the challenge of driving clockwise around the UK to visit all 238 lifeboat stations – raising more than £83,000 so far to buy the RNLI a new lifeboat.

After starting in Morecambe on August 23, the pair visited Swanage Lifeboat Station last Tuesday (September 17).

The couple presented a specially commissioned puzzle and some lifeboat Top Trump cards to the crew of which a RNLI spokesperson said have already come into use during late night callouts while the shore crew awaited the return of the lifeboat.

Jayne George, RNLI director of fundraising, said: “We are so grateful to Belinda and James for taking on this huge challenge and look forward to welcoming them at all of our lifeboat stations around the coast.

“We are only able to save lives at sea thanks to the generous support of people taking on challenges like this, and we’re honoured Belinda and James have decided to raise even more money to fund a new D class inshore lifeboat.

Belinda and James Richardson came to Swanage last Tuesday (September 17) Picture: RNLI 911 Challenge

“In 2023 alone, D class lifeboats saved 96 lives and helped 2,028 people in difficulty. Belinda and James’ 911 challenge will help continue that lifesaving legacy.”

Belinda and James Richardson said: “Although we are not connected to the RNLI we are humbled by this unique organisation’s 6,500 volunteers; be they boat crews, shore crew, lifeguards or fundraisers and wish to put our new found freedom to good use in supporting their gallant efforts by raising funds for a relief D Class lifeboat.

“And we get to drive to some of the most beautiful and diverse coastline around the UK and Ireland in our challenge car named Splash.”

The Swanage leg of the couple’s lengthy journey was sponsored by The Priory in Wareham – a hotel the couple had previously visited.

Upon discussing their fundraising challenge with a garden team member at the hotel, Martin Coward, they soon discovered the former owner of the hotel, the late Anne Turner, had been a great supporter of the RNLI.

Anne Turner had a long-established connection with the charity carrying out a lot of fundraising for the RNLI.

Porsche 911 at Swanage Lifeboat Station Picture: RNLI/Becky Mack

This connection sowed a seed of interest and as a result the hotel where Anne Turner’s daughter and granddaughter are still involved decided to sponsor the event in her memory.

Mr Coward attended Swanage Lifeboat Station on the day to meet Mr and Mrs Richardson again, along with some others who have been tracking their journey around the country in their Porsche 911.

Fundraising towards a brand-new inshore lifeboat is well underway. To donate to their challenge, visit https://rnli-911challenge.co.uk/