Throughout the month of May, Alan Leigh, Contracts Director for Baxall Construction, NFB member and a committee member of the NFB Heritage Group, took part in and successfully completed the Royal National Lifeboat Institution’s (RNLI) 31-day Mayday Mile Challenge. His goal was to walk as many miles as possible each day, but with a twist – he completed every mile wearing the RNLI’s famous yellow wellies.
Alan smashed his fundraising targets, coming 2nd in the whole country for the amount he raised.
The RNLI is particularly close to Alan’s heart, with a long family history of volunteering that spans three generations of lifeboat crew members. His father, brother and nephew have all served at Littlestone Lifeboat Station on the Kent coast. Today, his brother, Peter, is the station’s Lifeboat Commander, while his nephew, Samuel, proudly serves as a volunteer lifeboat crew member.
Completing the challenge, Alan raised an incredible £3,150, and completed 111 miles in the yellow wellies – with the blisters to prove it!
Throughout the month, he had the pleasure of meeting and speaking with many people along the way. Those conversations provided valuable opportunities for Alan to raise awareness of the RNLI and share personal stories about the outstanding work carried out by its volunteers. Their commitment, courage, and dedication to saving lives at sea are truly inspiring.
Commenting, Alan said: “The generosity shown by friends, family, colleagues, supply chain and even complete strangers will help the RNLI provide essential equipment for its volunteers and support the maintenance of lifeboats, ensuring crews can launch safely in all weather conditions whenever they are called upon.”
Also taking part in the challenge was the NFB’s Deputy Chief Executive, James Butcher. To complete his Mayday miles, James ran every day throughout the month. With his family fundraising team ‘Butchers at sea’, James helped to raise £653.
James said: “Coming from a coastal village I know only too well the incredible work of the RNLI. My Dad is a member and my daughter is too, so I was only too pleased to take part. The challenge has rekindled my love of running to the extent I’ve even invested in a new running-buggy to run my son to nursery and lost a bit of weight in the process too.’
“I’d like to put on record how proud the NFB is of Alan’s achievement. His commitment and effort has been incredible and he stands as a shining example to us all. More than anything, his achievements really will save lives at sea. Well done Alan!”
Every pound raised helps the RNLI continue its vital mission of Saving Lives at Sea, and Alan and James would like to thank everyone who supported them throughout this challenge.
If you would like to read more about Alan’s story, visit the RNLI website here: Three Generations, One Calling: Littlestone RNLI family Saving Lives at Sea | RNLI
