Jason Atkinson

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!