Jason Atkinson

Mayday Mile – Final Day Update & Thank You

Today marks the final day of my RNLI Mayday Mile journey, and I just wanted to say a huge thank you to everyone who has supported and donated along the way.

I set out thinking I might manage around 31 miles. Somehow, I ended up covering 115 miles instead, which still feels a bit ridiculous when I say it out loud. Even more incredible, we’ve raised £228 for the RNLI, helping support the lifesaving work they do at sea.

There’s been a bit of everything in this challenge. One of the unexpected boosts came from a trip to London after my artwork reached the second round of submission for the Royal Academy. I didn’t make it through the final stage, but it was still a great experience, and I got the chance to see Banksy’s latest work, wander around central London, and explore a lot of free galleries, bookshops, and hidden corners of the city. Not a bad “training route”, really.

If anything, this challenge has reminded me how easy it is to rack up miles when you’re distracted by good art, good books, and the occasional wrong turn.

Thank you again to everyone who donated, shared, and supported, it genuinely made the miles feel easier.

Day 25 🌊 Update – The End Is In Sight!

Day 11 🌊 – Time Is Flying!

I’m already on Day 11 of the RNLI Mayday Mile challenge, and honestly… I don’t know where the time has gone!

Somehow, I’ve already completely smashed both my mile target and my fundraising goal, which I’m still a bit shocked by. 

Thank you again to everyone who has donated or supported me so far, it genuinely means a lot 💛

A lot of my recent miles came from a very busy day in London where I was doing some serious multitasking. 

I handed in my artwork in for judging at the Royal Academy Summer Exhibition, tracked down the newest Banksy, and spent far too much time wandering around bookshops (which, to be fair, is one of my favourite ways to spend a day anyway!).

So without really planning it, I ended up doing loads of walking while ticking several things off my list at once.

At this point, I’m not really sure what to do next. Part of me is thinking about setting a stretch fundraising goal now that the original one has been left far behind… but I’m still deciding.

Either way, the miles are continuing and I’m really enjoying seeing where this challenge takes me.

Thanks again for all the support so far! 

Day 1 Complete! 🌊

First mile done!

Got off to a really nice start today, the weather was great, which definitely helped, and I kept things fairly gentle to ease myself into it.

It actually felt good to get moving without overthinking it too much… which, for me, is half the battle 😄

Plenty more miles to come over the rest of May, but if today’s anything to go by, it’s a promising start.

Thanks again to everyone who’s supported me so far, it really does make a difference 💛

Absolutely Blown Away 🌊 – Thank You!

When I first signed up for my RNLI Mayday Mile challenge, I set myself a goal of £150 and thought that was a pretty solid target.

I honestly didn’t expect to hit it so quickly… let alone go past £200 already!

I’m genuinely blown away.

To everyone who has donated, shared the page, or even just asked how it’s going, thank you. It really does mean a lot.

Given how much the RNLI has been part of my life  from family trips to lifeboat stations, to seeing my grandad’s name on the Invergordon lifeboat, to growing up around Medway and the Historic Dockyard, it makes this even more special.

Knowing that something so personal to me is being supported by so many of you is incredible.

Even though I’ve already smashed my original target, the challenge itself is still very much on.

I’m still aiming to complete my mile every day throughout May.

The RNLI volunteers are still out there 24/7, ready to launch at a moment’s notice. Every extra pound raised goes towards supporting those crews, the equipment, and the lifesaving work they do.

So if you were thinking about donating but hadn’t got round to it yet! There’s still plenty of time, and it would still make a real difference.

Let’s see how far we can take it.

Thank you again — I really appreciate it 💛

My First RNLI Mayday Mile

This year, I’ve decided to take on the RNLI Mayday Mile challenge. I saw people doing it last year and thought it looked like a great way to get involved especially as my family are big supporters of the RNLI. My mum is one of those “crazy” people (sorry Mum) who collects fridge magnets from every station she visits, so it’s always been part of our lives, whether on day trips or holidays.

It also feels quite personal to take part. My grandad’s name is on one of the first Launch a Memory lifeboats at Invergordon, and as a family we even went to Poole to see it before it made its long journey up to Scotland. Seeing the craftsmanship that goes into building and refurbishing these lifeboats was incredible! And really showed the level of support behind the amazing volunteers who save lives at sea. 

Being from Medway, I also love that we’re so close to the RNLI museum at the Historic Dockyard Chatham. With several members of my family having worked there, I guess you could say boats and shipbuilding are in my DNA!

For this challenge, I’m aiming to complete at least a mile a day (maybe more if I’m feeling motivated… but no promises), and I’ve set a fundraising goal of £150. Any fitness benefits are definitely a bonus!

I do have a bit of a love-hate relationship with exercise as a dyspraxic person, it’s not always easy but I’m up for giving it a proper go. Most of my miles will probably be walking, but I might mix things up along the way. I’ve got access to the Medway sports centres, so we’ll see how adventurous I’m feeling. I won’t be doing it alone either, my family are really supportive and will likely join me for some (or all) of the miles. I’m sure there’ll be some interesting days ahead!

Taking part in this challenge feels like a small way to give something back. If you’re able to support me, I’d really appreciate it, every bit helps. 

Thank you!