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Michael Yarde

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My Activity Tracking

57
mi

My target 31 mi

🚨 The Mayday Mile Challenge – 1 Mile a Day for the RNLI 🚨

This May, I’m taking on the Mayday Mile Challenge – walking or running 1 mile a day to raise funds for the RNLI, and I’d love your support.

Now, I’ll be honest… I’m not a runner. In fact, committing to a mile a day might not seem like much to some, but for me, it’s definitely a challenge. But it’s one I’m taking on proudly, because it’s for a cause that means a lot to me.

I’m also lucky enough to be part of the volunteer crew at Cullercoats Lifeboat Station, and I’ve seen first-hand the dedication, training, and teamwork it takes to launch when the pager goes off—no matter the weather or time of day.

Every donation, no matter how small, helps make sure our boats are ready, our kit is reliable, and our crews are trained to respond when lives are on the line.

If you’re able to support my Mayday Mile, thank you. If not, a share or a word of encouragement means the world too 💛

Please help raise funds for the RNLI

Raised

£4,382 + £712.41 GiftAid

My Goal

£935

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My Achievements

Updated Profile Pic

Self donated

Reached 25% of fundraising target

Reached 50% of fundraising target

Reached 100% of fundraising target

Added a Blog Post

Shared fundraising page

Reached 25% of distance target

Reached 50% of distance target

Reached 100% of distance target

My Updates

31: 31 runs. 31 days. 8 shouts in May.

Saturday 31st May
This is it — the final update. I’m writing this with a full heart and more emotion than I expected.

Today’s mile was warm and tough in the ILB kit, but I had the very best company with me: crew mates Tim, Sarah and Karen by my side, and more friends, family and crew waiting at the finish line to cheer me in.

The support from the public as we ran the seafront was incredible — just like it has been all month. The waves, the kind words, the honks, the claps — they’ve kept me going mile after mile after mile.

💥 £3,192 raised (pre-Gift Aid!)
💥 £380 behind 1st place nationally
💥 6 miles in ILB kit
💥 1 huge community behind me

If you’ve been waiting until the end to see if I’d finish it…
I did.
Every single step.
Every single mile.

And if you’re still thinking of sponsoring — now’s the moment. It could be the donation that tips us into 1st place nationally. Whether it’s £1 or £100, every bit matters.

From the very bottom of my heart: Thank you. For the support, the shares, the belief, the laughs, the messages.
I’ll never forget it.

This one was for Cullercoats. 💙🧡
🔗 https://fundraise.rnli.org/s/16376/17363

30: Penultimate run, 8th shout of May, Dropped to 3rd nationally, One mile to go

Friday 30th May
Penultimate run, 8th shout of May, Dropped to 3rd nationally, One mile to go 💥 Shares and sponsors needed more than ever! 

🔗https://fundraise.rnli.org/s/16376/17363

Shout number 8 of May came in earlier today — that’s 27 so far this year for Cullercoats RNLI. Thankfully another positive outcome. And even with some truly incredible donations in the past 24 hours (thank you 🙌), we’ve dropped to 3rd place nationally. Not because we’ve slowed down — but because the previous 3rd place fundraiser had a monster day, raising over £1,000 in just 6 hours! Mind, they are 2 years old. They took it personally I guess 😬

We’re now:
 • £49 behind 🥈
 • £523 behind 🥇

I know it’s a long shot. But every time I’ve said something felt impossible this month, you’ve all proved me wrong. So let’s go again — one last big push. 🚀

The goal was always to raise money for the RNLI — and we’ve done that in ways I never imagined. But I’d be lying if I said I didn’t want to finish this thing on top, for Cullercoats, for the crew, and for all of you who’ve backed me every step of the way.

Let’s give it everything. Share, sponsor, shout about it.
One day left. Let’s finish strong.

🔗 https://fundraise.rnli.org/s/16376/17363

29: Wind. Rain. Crew kit. And still… the mile gets done.

Thursday 29th May
Please help me get as many eyes on this link as possible by sharing this post far and wide! 

Today was my 4th mile in full ILB crew kit — just 2 to go! It was a bit wild out there, but we’re nearly at the finish line… and unbelievably, £388 away from being the top individual RNLI Mayday Mile fundraiser in the UK.

That’s right. From a modest £173 target 29 days ago… to this. It still feels surreal. And we might just do it — but only if we get this post in front of as many people as possible.

Please:
👉 Share it to your timeline
👉 Send it to your group chats
👉 Tell your workmates
👉 Know someone in the media? Let’s go!

I’m so proud of what we’ve raised already — whatever happens next, we’ve made a difference for the RNLI. But with 2 days left… why not aim for the top?

🔗 https://fundraise.rnli.org/s/16376/17363

28: Three runs tonight — two afloat, one ashore

Wednesday 28th May
Please share this post far and wide! We need eyes on to have a chance at 1st nationally!

It’s a late update tonight after our usual Wednesday exercise, but the mile still got done! After two runs out on the lifeboat, I grabbed one more on the harbour top to lock in today’s mile — joined by another amazing crew mate, Karen. 💪

As we edge closer to the finish line, I just want to say a huge thank you for the constant encouragement, kind words and donations. They matter more than I can say — and they’re making a real difference.

We’re now less than £500 away from overtaking 1st place nationally. It’s a big target — but after everything this challenge has already become, I believe we can get there.

Let’s finish strong. 💙🧡
🔗 https://fundraise.rnli.org/s/16376/17363

27: Four pairs of shoes, one mission. 🧡

Tuesday 27th May

Today’s mile was a little bit special — I ran it with three of my incredible crew mates: Anna, Jane and Sarah. And so beautifully captured by Helen. I genuinely feel quite emotional looking at these photos. Since joining the RNLI as a volunteer, I’ve gained knowledge, training, and unforgettable experiences — but the thing I’ll treasure most is the second family I’ve found. You hear people say it, but until you live it, you don’t realise just how true it is.


There’s a bond between lifeboat crews that goes far beyond pager calls and the boathouse. I’d follow these people into whatever conditions they say we can manage — and today, when my legs were tired and my head was giving up, they were the ones who kept me moving.


💥 Yesterday was an enormous fundraising day — over £250 raised in just 24 hours. I’m blown away. Truly. To everyone who’s donated, shared, encouraged — whether you’re a friend, family member, sea swimmer, RNLI supporter or someone I’ve never met — thank you. You’re part of this mission.


Right now, I’m holding tight to 2nd place nationally in the Mayday Mile fundraiser rankings. But we’re not done yet. If we want to take the top spot, we need one final push — over £600 still to go, with just 5 days left.


Every share counts. Every sponsor helps. Let’s show what this amazing Cullercoats community can do 💪🌊


🔗 https://fundraise.rnli.org/s/16376/17363

26: The drysuit miles have begun… and they’re no joke! 😅

Monday 26th May
Today was my first mile in full ILB crew kit — drysuit and lifejacket included. It was easily one of the toughest yet. Hot, heavy, and humbling — but absolutely worth it.

And while I was sweating it out, we hit another massive milestone: £1,824 raised — matching the year the RNLI was founded. A figure I never dreamed of reaching when I set out with a £173 target. Next symbolic target? £1,852 — the year Cullercoats Lifeboat Station opened. And it’s happened already whilst we were out on the run! Amazing! 

Still clinging on to 2nd place nationally, but the two-year-old in 3rd is fighting back hard. It’s neck and neck. £899 to beat 1st place! It’s a huge ask, but I’ll try my absolute hardest! 

Just 5 more miles to go, and every step now is in the drysuit. Thank you so much for the support — your donations are keeping me running (and upright)! 💙

Let’s finish strong.
🔗 https://fundraise.rnli.org/s/16376/17363

25: Weddings, rivalries, and drysuits incoming

Sunday 25th May
Sore head. Heavy legs. Full heart.
Yesterday was unforgettable — watching two of my best friends get married was an honour, a privilege, and an emotional high I won’t forget.

That said… there’s another emotional rollercoaster happening too:
I’m still 2nd in the UK for Mayday Mile fundraising — just about! 🥈

Right now, the two-year-old in 3rd place (yes, really 😅) is literally pennies behind me. We’re both at £1,785, but my total reads £1,785.24, so I’m clinging to that silver medal spot by the skin of my teeth.

But tomorrow… tomorrow changes everything.

👉 Day 26 marks the start of my drysuit and lifejacket runs.
I’ll be running my final miles in full ILB crew kit — to honour this challenge, and to raise even more for Cullercoats RNLI and the RNLI as a whole.

I won’t lie — I’m nervous. But every single message, every donation, every update from friends and family telling me where I stand on the leaderboard… it’s genuinely emotional.
To know how many people are invested in this journey means more than I can put into words.

Let’s finish strong.
Let’s honour the lives we save, the crew who serve, and the supporters who make it all possible 💙

🔗 https://fundraise.rnli.org/s/16376/17363

24: New location, same mission — and a wedding to attend!

Saturday 24th May
RNLI MayDay Mile: Day #24
An early coastal mile this morning, in a brand-new setting further up the beautiful Northumberland coast — and for a very special reason. Today, two of my closest friends get married today, and I’ve got the absolute honour of being one of the best men. Suit change incoming 🎩👟

But before all that, the MayDay Mile continues.
We’ve now raised £1,759, still holding onto 2nd place nationally, though the gap is closing again — they’re chasing hard! 👀

Every run, every donation, every message — you’ve all kept me going, and this journey continues to grow in meaning.
Only 2 days left until I switch to full ILB crew kit — drysuit and lifejacket — for the final stretch.

Let’s keep the momentum rolling. Let’s honour the work our lifeboats do, and the people they protect.
And for today — let’s celebrate love, friendship, and a whole lot of running 💙

🔗 https://fundraise.rnli.org/s/16376/17363

23: 2nd in the UK. Big weekend ahead

Friday 23rd May
£1,738 raised. 2nd in the UK. Big weekend ahead.
https://fundraise.rnli.org/s/16376/17363

We did it — I’m now officially 2nd in the UK for individual fundraisers in the 2025 RNLI Mayday Mile campaign! 🥈

Thanks to the incredible support from so many of you, the total has now reached £1,738 — and we’re not done yet.

The next symbolic numbers?
⚓️ £1,824 — the year the RNLI was founded
⚓️ £1,852 — the year Cullercoats RNLI was established

To even be this close is unbelievable, especially when I remember that my original goal was £173. I truly can’t thank you all enough — this challenge has grown far beyond what I imagined, and your support is what fuels every step.

Early update today — I’m heading straight from work into a very special weekend as one of my best friends gets married. So yes, you guessed it… tomorrow will be a wedding-run update! 🎉👟

And just three more days until the final stretch begins in full ILB crew kit — drysuit, lifejacket, and all.

Let’s keep going. Let’s honour those founding years.
And let’s show just how strong this little coastal community can be 💙

🔗 https://fundraise.rnli.org/s/16376/17363

22: £1,563 raised and only £108 from 2nd place. only 4 days to the drysuit miles begin…

Thursday 22nd May
What. A. Day.
Thanks to some incredibly generous donors in the last 24 hours, we’ve just taken a huge leap forward — smashing and passing the £1,500 mark, and now just £108 away from 2nd place in the UK for Mayday Mile individual fundraisers. 🥈

Every donation, share, comment, and word of encouragement has meant the world. And today, I’m running in a new t-shirt, dedicated to one of the people who’s helped me more than she knows: Jane — a brilliant crewmate, and an even better friend.

Jane’s been keeping me going, not only physically, by helping me manage the aches, pains and niggled that come with going from nothing to 22 consecutive days of running — but more importantly, she’s been in my corner mentally from day 1. Reminding me to believe in myself when my head tells me otherwise.

To Jane, and to every single person cheering me on: thank you. You’re making this challenge a thousand times easier — and I promise you this: I won’t let you down.

It’s now only four more days until I switch to full ILB crew kit for the final few miles. Dry suit. Lifejacket. And plenty of determined miles still to go.

If you’d like to help push me closer to that second-place spot, here’s the link: https://fundraise.rnli.org/s/16376/17363

21: Three weeks. 21 runs. £1,420 raised. Let’s go for £1,500!

Wednesday 21st May

An early update today, as it’s straight from work to the lifeboat station for what’s shaping up to be a busy evening ahead. But first — mile 21 is done ✅


That’s three full weeks of running, every single day. And honestly, I’m feeling great. Fitness improving, weight heading in the right direction, and the support from all of you has been incredible.


Thanks to your generosity, the total now stands at £1,420 — and I’m still holding on to 3rd place in the UK for individual RNLI Mayday Mile fundraisers!


I’d absolutely love to hit £1,500 today. It’s a big ask, I know — but that number would mark £500 raised per week, which is just incredible to even consider.


As always, thank you for the donations, the messages, the shares, the waves from the seafront, and all the encouragement.


The final stretch (and final switch to full ILB crew kit!) begins this weekend. It’s not over yet — let’s see how far we can take it 💙


🔗 https://fundraise.rnli.org/s/16376/17363

20: £1,388 raised. Still🥉in the UK. Chasing down… a toddler in 2nd place 😂.

Tuesday 20th May
Day 20 is in the bag, and this challenge continues to surprise me in the best possible way. Thanks to your generosity, we’ve now raised £1,388, just £12 away from £1,400 — and I’m still sitting in 3rd place nationally for individual fundraisers in this year’s RNLI Mayday Mile.

Who’s in 2nd place, you ask? A two-year-old on a balance bike. And honestly? I’m absolutely here for it. 😂 But I’m also coming for that silver medal — just £250 to go!

With just over a week left, I’m gearing up to run the final six miles in full inshore lifeboat crew kit, starting this Monday. Dry suit, lifejacket — the whole lot. Why? Because every step, and every shout, relies on public support.

🚨 Cullercoats RNLI is already at 26 callouts this year — more than the full total in 2018.
🛟 Every donation helps keep the lifeboat running and our crew trained, equipped, and ready to launch.

So whether you’ve already given or are cheering from the sidelines — thank you. You’re part of this mission too.

🔗 https://fundraise.rnli.org/s/16376/17363

Let’s hit £1,400, and see how close we can get to that toddler by Day 31. 💙

19: Another shout. Another milestone. And now — 3rd 🥉in the

Monday 19th May
RNLI MayDay Mile: Day #19

Another shout. Another milestone. And now — 3rd 🥉in the UK.
https://fundraise.rnli.org/s/16376/17363

Today, Cullercoats RNLI was paged for the 7th time this May, taking us to 26 callouts so far in 2025.

For a bit of context:
📈 In 2018, our entire year’s shout total was 24 shouts. 2023 saw 37 shouts and 2024 saw 45 shouts. It’s shaping up to be a busy year! The demand on our lifeboat station is real — and growing. But so is the support from this incredible community.

When I started this challenge, I was genuinely going to be over the moon if I hit my original goal of £173. That would’ve meant £1 for every year Cullercoats Lifeboat has existed. Then came stretch targets. And now? Somehow, we’re at £1,349 — and I’ve just found out I’m currently 3rd in the UK for individual MayDay Mile fundraisers.

3rd. In the country.
I can’t believe it.

And we’re not done yet. In one week’s time, I’ll be taking the final stretch of this challenge to the next level — running every mile from 26th–31st May in full inshore lifeboat crew kit (yes, including the dry suit and lifejacket!).

If you’ve donated — thank you so, so much. Your support makes every shout, every life saved, possible.

If you haven’t yet and would like to, here’s the link:
🔗 https://fundraise.rnli.org/s/16376/17363

Let’s keep this going. For every mile. For every shout. For every life saved. 💙

18: After a busy and emotional Day 17, today’s been one of reflection and gratitude

Sunday 18th May
Yesterday ended with three shouts for Cullercoats RNLI—and in the first of those, a life was saved. That’s the reason we do what we do. And it’s only possible because of you. The people who donate, support, and cheer us on—you’re as much a part of the crew as those onboard. The boat doesn’t launch without you.

This morning’s crew exercise brought some proper sea conditions (for this time of year!), and it was great to be out training with the team, keeping sharp and ready for whatever comes next.

Thanks to a wave of generosity—especially from some of our amazing Cullercoats sea swimming community—the fundraising total now stands at £1,243. That puts us just £88 away from 3rd place nationally in the RNLI MayDay Mile campaign.

The charge continues—for the miles, for the crew, and for the people we launch to help. Thank you all 💙

🔗 https://fundraise.rnli.org/s/16376/17363

17: A day of real impact

Saturday 17th May
RNLI MayDay Mile: Day #17

A day of real impact — two shouts, one life saved, over £1,000 raised, and now 5th in the UK. Today’s been a big one.

👉 https://fundraise.rnli.org/s/16376/17363

By 3:30pm, Cullercoats RNLI had already responded to two shouts, and during the first call-out this morning, a life was saved. That’s not just a statistic—that’s someone going home to their family, thanks to you.

Because truthfully, every donation doesn’t just support us—it becomes part of every rescue. Your support means we’re trained, kitted, fuelled, and ready when the pager goes off. So when we say you’re a lifesaver, we really mean it.

As for the challenge? We’ve now smashed through £1,000 raised, and I’ve officially climbed to 5th place in the entire UK for individual RNLI Mayday Mile fundraisers. I’m £2 away from 4th… and the plan now is simple:

Keep going. Keep climbing. Keep saving lives.

Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, to everyone who’s donated so far. You made a difference today.

👉 https://fundraise.rnli.org/s/16376/17363

16: Over halfway on the road, and flying high on the leaderboard!

Friday 16th May

RNLI MayDay Mile: Day #16


Over halfway on the road, and flying high on the leaderboard!

https://fundraise.rnli.org/s/16376/17363


Today marks the official halfway point in my MayDay Mile challenge—16 runs down, 15 to go—and I’m buzzing to say the support has just kept coming.


We’ve now raised £881, which means we’re just £54 away from hitting the final target of £935, set in honour of our inshore lifeboat B-935 RNLB Daddy’s Girl.


And on top of that, I’ve just crept into the Top 10 individual fundraisers across the entire UK for the 2025 RNLI MayDay Mile. Absolutely wild. Your support has pushed me past my halfway point in miles, and even further in spirit.


Massive thanks to everyone who’s donated, shared, or cheered me on. The final week—in full ILB crew kit—is creeping closer. Let’s bring it home strong 💪


Donate or share here:

https://fundraise.rnli.org/s/16376/17363


Let’s gooooo! 🚨👟🛟

15: Nearly Halfway there—and my fastest mile yet!

Thursday 15th May
Today marks Day 15 of 31—almost at the halfway point of the challenge, and somehow, I’ve just clocked my fastest mile so far! Clearly the support is fuelling the legs as well as the lifeboat!

And speaking of support… the fundraising total now stands at an incredible £827, which means I’m 88.5% of the way to my final target of £935 (pre-Gift Aid). For comparison, I’m only 48% of the way through the miles—so you lot are seriously outpacing me!

Every single donation goes towards supporting the lifesaving work of the RNLI—and I can’t say thank you enough to those who’ve sponsored me already. Your generosity makes a real difference, both to me and to the crew at Cullercoats.

If you haven’t chipped in yet and would like to, it really does mean the world:
https://fundraise.rnli.org/s/16376/17363

Halfway approaches, and the final week in ILB crew kit is on the horizon…

Let’s keep this momentum going 🚤💙

14: From £695 to £783 in a day—and now 12th in the UK!

Wednesday 14th May

Yesterday I asked if anyone could help me find a fiver to hit £700. You didn’t just deliver—you smashed it! By midnight, we’d hit £783, and I’ve now moved up to 12th place on the leaderboard of individual fundraisers across the UK for the 2025 RNLI Mayday Mile.


I’m blown away. Truly. Thank you so much for the incredible support—your donations, shares, encouragement, and messages have all kept me moving.


(Also, ignore what I say in today’s video—I accidentally said Day 12! Clearly had the number 12 stuck in my head after checking the leaderboard…)


Tonight I’m back down at the station for the second night in a row, this time for our regular weekly training session. With any luck, we’ll be out on the boat enjoying this rare stretch of nice weather!


Still pushing on toward that final £935 target, in honour of our boat B-935 RNLB Daddy’s Girl.


Support here if you’d like to help power the final stretch:

https://fundraise.rnli.org/s/16376/17363

13: Nearly £500 and 15th Highest Fundraiser in the UK!

Tuesday 13th May

£695 raised… just £5 away from £700! Bit of a late update tonight—I’ve just got back from the station after giving a tour to a fantastic group of 20 Scouts. It’s always brilliant to see young people so interested in the RNLI and what we do as volunteers.


And speaking of brilliant… I’ve just found out I’m currently the 15th top individual fundraiser across the entire 2025 RNLI MayDay Mile campaign so far. That’s absolutely wild—and all down to your support, encouragement, and generosity.


We’re just £5 away from £700, and every single pound gets us closer to that final £935 target, in honour of our boat, B-935 RNLB Daddy’s Girl.


So if anyone’s got a spare fiver and wants to give me a reason to grin before bed… I’d be very grateful!


Support the challenge here:

https://fundraise.rnli.org/s/16376/17363


Thank you, as always—you lot are powering every mile.


Target 4, Activated!

Sunday 11th May

Target 4: UNLOCKED!


Thanks to your incredible generosity, we’ve now raised £624—blasting past Target 3 (£613) and officially activating Target 4: £935, in honour of our inshore lifeboat B-935 RNLB Daddy’s Girl.


And now that it’s unlocked, I can reveal the teaser I’ve been holding back…


For the final week of the Mayday Mile, I’ll be running in full ILB crew kit.

That’s right—dry suit, life jacket, the works!


Why? Because I’m willing to get uncomfortable if it helps raise a few more pounds for the lifesaving work the RNLI does every day—and because every single donation helps keep lifeboats like ours ready to launch at a moment’s notice.


Thank you again to everyone who’s got me this far—let’s make that final target of £935 a reality.


Support here:

https://fundraise.rnli.org/s/16376/17363


9: Another mile down…

Friday 9th May

Another mile down—and a slightly earlier run today, as I’m swapping staff football for something even more important… getting ready for a hen party! Two of my fellow Cullercoats crew are tying the knot this summer, and tonight we celebrate in style.


But before I trade trainers for party clothes, I just want to take a moment to say a massive thank you.


Thanks to your incredible support, we’re now at £489 raised—and that’s before Gift Aid! I’m genuinely overwhelmed by how generous and encouraging everyone has been throughout this challenge.


We’re just £11 away from the £500 mark, which feels like such a huge milestone to hit before heading into double digits tomorrow. If you’ve been thinking about donating, now’s a great time to jump in and be part of the journey.


Every penny goes to supporting the RNLI and our work at Cullercoats—helping keep our crew trained, kitted out, and ready when the pager goes off.


Next up:

⬜ £613 – 1 for every life saved by Cullercoats RNLI

⬜ £935 – You’ll want to stick around for this one…


Thank you all again—you’re powering every step of this journey

7: First week check in!

Wednesday 7th May

One week in, and I’m genuinely blown away by the support.


Thanks to the kindness of my friends, family, fellow crew, and supporters near and far, we’ve not only hit my first fundraising goal of £173 (representing £1 for every year Cullercoats Lifeboat Station has been saving lives)…We’ve also passed my second goal of £201, honouring every year the RNLI has existed since 1824! 🎉


That means we’re now working towards Stretch Target 3: £613, which marks £1 for every life saved by Cullercoats RNLI since the station was founded in 1852.


But with 24 days still to go, it only feels right to set another stretch goal. So here it is, if we smash through Target #3 (£613), we’ll unlock 🎯 Target #4 🎯 £935 – in honour of our current inshore lifeboat, B-935 Daddy’s Girl.


This boat, like every RNLI vessel, represents the very core of the RNLI—and every pound raised helps keep her (and us) ready to launch when needed.


To everyone who’s donated, cheered me on, or shared my page: thank you from the bottom of my heart. You’ve made this challenge feel less like a solo run, and more like a team effort, or as the RNLI would say, #OneCrew 💛


Let’s keep going—one mile (and one life-saving mission) at a time.


https://fundraise.rnli.org/s/16376/17363

Target 2 - Smashed already!

Tuesday 6th May
Right, I guess we’re doing this! Thanks to some hugely generous sponsorships, I’ve blasted through my first stretch target (£201), so now I’ve unlocked target #3, £613.

Why £613? Since the lifeboat was established at Cullercoats in 1852, Cullercoats and its crews have been officially recognised as saving 613 lives. It would be amazing to honour that 173 years of service by raising £1 for every life saved by Cullercoats. 

Let’s do this! 

£173 Target - ✅✅✅

Tuesday 6th May
Target #1 - £173 complete!!
Target #2 - £201 unlocked and very much in sight already! 

Absolutely humbled by all the donations 🥹

6: A fundraising “problem”

Tuesday 6th May
Six days in, six miles down—and I’m so incredibly grateful to everyone who has supported me so far. Your generosity and encouragement have helped push me through the sore legs, and those moments of “why did I think this was a good idea?” 😅

I set out with a goal of raising £173 for the RNLI, representing £1 for every year Cullercoats RNLI has been serving our coast since 1852. Thanks to the amazing support from friends, family, crew mates, and kind strangers, I’m already at £156!

That’s inspired me to go a bit further, so I’ve now set some stretch targets to keep the momentum going:

📈if we reach, Target #1 (£173), the next target is 

⬜ £201 – £1 for every year the RNLI has existed as a charity (since 1824)
We we reach that, I’m gonna go for a super stretch target: 
⬜ £613 – £1 for every life saved by Cullercoats RNLI since its founding

Every donation helps keep our lifeboats fuelled, our crews trained, and our equipment ready for the next time the pager goes off—whether it’s in the middle of the day or, as it was at the beginning of this week, 11:35pm! 

This challenge might be about running, but for me, it’s about community, commitment, and giving something back to the lifeboat family I’m proud to be a part of.

From the bottom of my heart—thank you to everyone who has supported me so far. If you’d like to help me reach the next milestone, you can find my fundraising page here: https://fundraise.rnli.org/s/16376/17363

4: Activity Sync Issue

Sunday 4th May
For Day 4, I used the treadmill for the mile, rather than running outside, and manually tracked the activity based on the info on the read out of the treadmill. Despite adding the activity manually to both Strava and Garmin Connect, it doesn’t seem to have pulled through to this page, but I promise I did it! Look at my Facebook, Instagram or Strava! 

Stats for Day 4
Time: 15m7s
Distance: 1.70km / 1mile
Calories: 165

1: 1st Day Done, and finished off with a shout!

Thursday 1st May

First mile complete—and I won’t lie, it was a bit of a slog! But knowing why I’m doing it kept me going.


I’ve already received some incredibly generous donations, and I just want to say a huge thank you to everyone who’s supported me so far. It really means a lot.


To round off the day, we had a shout at 11:35pm. I’ve just walked through the door, still buzzing a bit from the adrenaline (and trying to wind down enough to sleep!).


This challenge is about more than just running—it’s about doing my bit, on and off the water, for a team and a cause I care deeply about.


Thanks again for all the support. One mile down, many more to go!


Thank you to my Sponsors

£265

Richard Wheeler

£106

Nick No More

Fair play buddy. Big love

£106

James Hadley

£106

Cheryl Savage

Smash it and thank you to you and the crew at Cullercoats for keeping us swimmers safe!

£106

Anonymous

£106

Richard Wheeler

£100

Anonymous

£53.32

Gordon Stuart

Well done Michael. An amazing effort! I love your passion, commitment, and drive to keep going for a worthy cause close to your heart. I’m so proud to call you my friend

£53.32

Tim, Alli, Georgia And Liv X

Amazing work Michael. Proud of you.

£53.32

Anonymous

£53.32

Lee

Come on mate, you’ve got this! 🤞🏻👏

£52.12

Kate Firth

Well done! Such a good cause 👏 👏

£50

Tracy & Mark

Super proud of you! Keep going and can’t wait for you to smash your next target!! Xxx

£50

David Darlington

This has been some journey. Absolutely amazing Michael. 🏃‍♂️

£50

Nathan Rowe

£42.79

Andrew Holmes

Good luck Michael. Keep on running ….😊

£34.33

Anna, Jane And Merlin

Keep going, you’re doing brilliantly. Great job SMASHING through that target. Your crew are proud of you. Love Anna, Jane and Merlin xxx

£33.28

Susan & Colin Yarde

Mam Dad and Dan are so proud of what you are doing and achieving. Keep it going son it’ll soon be the end of the month

£27.05

Brian

Keep on keeping on, Michael!

£27.05

George & Hazel

Well done Michael, great cause, very worthwhile, keep it going mate 👍 George and Hazel

£27.05

Alex Wood

You got this !!!

£27.05

Hope Thompson

So so proud Miguel ❤️

£25

Melissa Hayes

Amazing work Michael 👏

£21.84

Colin Ellis

£21.84

Lesley Cummings

Good luck Michael. Brilliant cause x Paul and Lesley

£21.84

Jo Mackenzie

Hope you get to #1!

£21.84

The Moats

Well done Michael you're doing fantastic, with love and support from Carla, Gareth, Florence and Joseph.

£21.84

Kita

Well done MCY!! Don't stop...never give up...hold your head high and reach the top!

£21.84

Al Blakey

Absolutely smash it bud. Proud of ya!

£21.84

Billie Rainer

Smashing it Michael!!! 💪✨

£21.84

Philip Howard

Thanks for keeping us safe. Connie and Philip

£21.84

Bev & Simon

Good luck Michael. Great cause xx

£21.84

Pamela And Steven Miller

What a fantastic achievement. Well done Michael!

£21.84

Lotty

£21.84

Terry Pearce

fingers crossed you reach first place.

£21.84

Ceri

Amazing cause, looking at what you’ve raised so far, you’ll have to think of some new targets!! Well done you 😊

£21.84

Jane Hall

£21.84

Anna J

Come on Yarde! So proud!

£21.84

Joe Ophield

Keep pushing buddy! Amazing what you're doing for such a wonderful cause that should be funded and shouldn't be a charity!!!

£21.84

Davy Jones

£21.84

Karen

Well done Michael and keep going.

£21.84

Bryan Thompson

You can dooo it

£21.84

Zara Scott

Always been a man of great talent! Loved following your journey so far, keep smashing it!

£21.84

Anonymous

Thank you for everything you and your colleagues do. Hundreds of people still get to hold their family members because of the bravery of your crew.

£21.84

Liam

Amazing job Michael. Well deserved and such dedication. Putting the amazing Cullercoats team in the Limelight. GNR in full ILB kit next year?? L

£21.84

Dave Hersey

Well done Michael, doing great 👍

£21.84

Julie Walker

£21.84

The Nortons

Smashing it mate, keep it up!

£21.84

Ambelez Family

£21.84

Phil Heaviside

After spending 20 years at sea its an easy cause to support for me

£21.84

Chris

Cracking effort Michael and great cause!

£21.84

Anonymous

You’re doing brilliantly! Not long to go till the end now. Keep pushing on!

£21.84

Anonymous

Great cause. Thanks for all that you and your crew members do.

£21.84

Phoebe Dee

Great job Yardey!

£21.84

Owen Cockburn

Best of luck, love the dedication 👍🏼

£21.84

Marcella Connelly

Smashing it Yarde!!

£21.84

Jackie Lye

Good luck!!!!

£21.84

Garry Paxton

Well done

£21.84

Adam Rule

Well done Yardie.

£21.84

Alyson Goudie

Good Luck Michael!!

£21.84

James Blakey

£21.84

Liam W

£21.84

Ryan Ball

Well done mate, keep on trotting 🏃‍♂️

£21.84

Danielle Morley

From Danielle

£21.84

David Forbes

Well done mate 👍👍!

£21.84

Linz

Go for it Michael!

£21.84

Al Blakey

Just keep running! 😁 Well done on the effort so far!

£21.84

Bryan Thompson

Keep pushing mate your absolutely smashing it and making a lot of people proud 👌🏻👌🏻

£21.36

Mike Ray

Good Luck Micharl👍

£20

Anonymous

Keep it up!!

£20

Kayleigh Mather

Well done. You've well and truly smashed your target. Such a great cause.

£20

Chris Ainsley

Great work Michael!

£20

Rebecca Rogan

£20

Anonymous

£20

Joseph Dickinson

Top work for an amazing cause!

£20

Rosie M

Run Michael Run! Well done for getting this far! Not long to go now. (Probably the fittest member of the family by now 🤣) Very proud of you! Rosie & fam xx

£20

Eric & Marie

Well done Michael.

£20

Knoxy And Alice

Well done Yarde- legend! Enjoy a rest day and give that dryduit a wash 😁

£20

Gill C

£20

Rebecca Seal

£20

Paul Elliott

Well done Michael. Great effort and great charity. The chester le street Masonic lads support you.

£20

Lewis Strong

Keep On Running!

£19.74

Anonymous

£19.74

Kath Evans

Keep going Michael, you’re doing a brilliant job for such a worthy cause.

£19.74

Stuart Bolam

£16.56

Pete Collinson

Cracking effort. Very well done Michael. Good luck for your last run 2moz. Cheers Pete

£16.56

Sarah, Andy And Sophia Xx

Well done Michael!!

£16.46

Anonymous

£12.40

Gem East

Well done 👏

£11.33

Philip Bell

£11.33

Helen Frankenberg

😊 🏃⭐️

£11.33

Dan Yarde

Good luck from Tenerife!! You’re smashing it!!💪🏼

£11.33

Andrea Corbett

Huge well done 👏

£11.33

Ruth C

£11.33

Alex B

£11.33

Emma S

Amazing work and effort! Thank you for all you do to keep people safe.

£11.33

Carl Cockburn

Keep going bud. You’ve smashed it.

£11.33

Beth C

Whoop you smashed it!

£11.33

Sheila Howlett

£11.33

Elin

Good luck Michael - what a great effort for a wonderful cause! Love Elin, Ste and Odhran xxx

£11.33

Allan B

Awesome effort mate!

£11.33

Eluned Rubra

£11.33

Sarah & Neil

You’re smashing it! Keep going!

£11.33

Alan Keegan

Well done mate, great effort.

£11.33

Lee Kirkbride

Well done mate!

£11.33

Nikki Scanlon

Fantastic effort Michael, well done

£11.33

Jean Mccarthy

£11.33

Steph Renshaw

👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

£11.33

Beth Sadler

Well done Michael!

£11.33

Hope Thompson

You got this, potentially even a bit proud of you (maybes more than a bit)

£11.33

Stevie G

Keep it going Michael, great work and I am sure that your fantastic efforts are being wholly appreciated!

£11.33

Leanne

Well done your amazing love me and Stu well done 😊

£11.33

Chris Reed

Cracking effort Michael keep up the great work!

£11.33

Ali

Well done

£11.33

Gary Collins

Good luck👍

£11.33

Jo Carlisle

£11.33

Alan Blakey

Amazing achievement mate. Another donation to top things up. Well done 👏

£11.33

Chris Johnson

All the best Michael!

£11.33

Michaela Sweeney

So proud & in admiration of You Michael & All of our Cullercoats RNLI team - From a CC Mermaid x

£11.33

Anonymous

£11.33

Sasha Brett

£11.33

Anonymous

Amazing achievement! Thank you so much to all of you at the RNLI for what you do.

£11.33

Andrew And Julie

Just another little something to help you to get to your goal. Well done Michael!

£11.33

Nick Weir

£11.33

Naomi Rachael Anderson

Well done Michael, very impressive!

£11.33

Jenny Dent

£11.33

Summer

Getting you over the next £100 mark. So so proud of you! You’re smashing it ❤️ Xxx

£11.33

Lydia Lindsay

Keep going Michael!🏃🏽‍♂️👏🏽

£11.33

Hannah, Ant And Wilf

Well done Michael! Keep going!!

£11.33

Ellie Marshall

Smashing it Michael! 🛟

£11.33

Rebecca Seal

£11.33

Rebecca Cockburn

Well done Michael, keep going! From Becca & Matty

£11.33

Jacob And Emily

Well done Michael!

£11.33

Anonymous

Well done!

£11.33

Louise

Well done - fab effort and very worthwhile cause!

£11.33

Kieran Baldwin

Great effort, Michael. Well done!!👏

£11.33

Bland

Well done Michael!

£11.33

Mark & Cath Jameson

Well done Michael. A good slog for a good cause.

£11.33

Lisa Payne

£11.33

Anonymous

£11.33

Kerry Swindon

£11.33

Rachel

Keep going, you are doing brilliantly, fantastic cause

£11.33

Kfk

£11.33

Michael Yarde

£11.33

Frank Taylor

Gan on lad!

£11.33

Emmalee Newman

£11.33

Margaret Thompson

Very well done 👏👏👏

£11.33

Jennifer Goudie

£11.33

George Bell

Just topping up my previous donation mate, you’re doing brilliantly George and Hazel

£11.33

Kev, Mandy & Holly

£11.33

Christopher Goudie

£11.33

Julian May

Good luck!!

£11.33

Anna, Jane And Merlin

What an amazing job you’ve done. Over £5000! Well done Michael. Love Anna, Jane and Merlin xxx

£11.33

Christine Diddams

£11.09

Meryl Wakeman

£11.09

Sue Parker

Well done

£10

Ray Robinson

£10

Sam Patterson

£10

Anonymous

£10

James Marshall

"Because I was inverted"

£10

James Marshall

Feel the need, the need for speed.

£10

Justin Taylor

Smashing it mate

£10

Paul Donkin

Well done, mate. 💪

£10

Jess Watson

£10

Katie Kershaw

£10

Jen Bell

Absolutely smashing it, huge well done x

£10

Georgia Bulloch

£10

Ross Teeley

Good luck! Great cause 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

£10

Kerry Elliott

You’ve done absolutely amazingly well so far!!! Keep going! Final stretch now!

£10

Andrew Johnson

Great stuff mate, well done 👏

£10

Sheila Moore

Embrace the challenge! You deserve all the support we can give as you are working hard and serving others. Love Gran (Sheila)

£10

Dave Lee

Well done MCY!

£10

Mel

Harbour Day, your dedication and commitment to such an important cause is an inspiration. Run like the wind!

£10

Joan

Good luck Michael, from Joan Black (raffle ticket seller at Harbour Day and friend of Sheila Moore)

£10

Sam Patterson

£10

Frazer Clark

Good work sir!

£10

Lindsey Wood

£10

Daltom

£10

Helen And Geoff

Well done Michael, great effort.

£10

Fred And Brenda Ellerby

Well done Michael You smashed it

£10

K

Ramping up…

£10

Paula,andrew & Imogen Reid

Well done Michael, super proud

£10

Angela Hannant

£10

Helen Walsh

Keep smashing those miles!

£10

John C

Well done Michael! Every step, every mile in all conditions; you’ve done the RNLI proud!

£10

Adam Davis

All the best Yarde x

£10

Curtis Lightfoot

Great stuff mate, hope you reach the full amount!

£10

Dawn Jenkins

Well done Michael, great challenge and great cause!! Best of luck from Dawn, Andy, Jake, Ella and Joel Jenkins xx

£10

Cathryn Richardson

Good luck, nearly there x

£10

Billie Rainer

£10

Pat Fawcett

£10

Anna Ridley

Well done Michael!!! Keep going!!!!!!

£10

Laura West

£10

Anonymous

Thank you for everything you and your colleagues do.

£10

Deborah

Good luck!

£10

Georgia & Carl

Your doing amazing! Xx

£10

Sharon Parker

Well Done, a very worthy causes, you should be very proud x

£10

Paula

Good Luck Michael

£10

Sheila Moore

Here’s a further donation to spur you on Michael. You are doing so well. Keep it up.

£10

Luke And Izzy - With K Car

‘I couldn’t run a mile a day… Michael has done very, very well. He has motivated himself’. Luke, aged 9. ‘Good running’, Izzy, aged 6.

£10

Darren Dixon

£10

Cockburn Family

Good luck Michael 🏃🏻

£8

Anonymous

£6.11

Debbie Higgins

£6.11

Abi Welch

Well done Michael

£6.11

Anonymous

£6.11

Olga Errington

Well done Michael

£6.11

Sarah Holmes-long

Keep going! Well done!

£6.11

Anonymous

£6.11

Seb Brass

£6.11

Elaine Keenan

£6.11

Eleanor Alford

£6.11

Danielle Charlton

Well done Michael!

£6.11

Anonymous

£6.11

Anonymous

Just saw this Michael. A massive well done 👏 x

£6.11

Rachel Slee

Well done Michael x

£6.11

Karen Hunter

£5.99

Nicola Goudie

Well done!!!

£5.99

Brogan

Well done Michael!

£5.99

Peter Walker

Absolutely smashed it big man, incredible work! 💪🏼

£5.76

Anonymous

Rounding off to £805

£5

Shauna Middlemiss

Well done! Keep it going 🙌🏻

£5

Debra Patterson

£5

Karen Corder

Fantastic achievement - keep going!

£5

Anonymous

£5

Amb

Smashing it 💪🏼

£5

Little Reggie Taylor

£5

Stephen Clarke

£5

Anonymous

£5

Maria Meikle

Well done Michal :)

£5

Graeme Wackett ( Friend Of Your Dad)

Good luck Michael and great cause

£5

Kate Labroy

Well Done Michael !

£5

Steve Dodds

Well done Michael! Fantastic effort! 👏

£5

Chris Braker

Keep it going lad 👌🏼

£5

Mary

£5

Sarah Jones

£5

Joy Gray

Good luck with the rest of your challenge! Great job!!

£5

Peter Lilley

£5

Helen Hearn

£5

Coxy

Well done Michael! Gone the extra 1760 yards.

£3.50

K

Let’s get into 3rd place. Hopefully more will come to keep you rising …

£1.73

Captain Birds Eye

Do it for the dolphins

£1

K

You are definitely gaining support from our community. Keep going - and thank you to all donors.

£1

K

It has been a long day today - great tuition on the net recovery front… keep it up!

£1

K

Here’s the £1 to make £2,500

£1

K

Time to top up to £500! Brilliant progress!

£1

K

Hey. Impressive. This is to start you off. More may follow. You need a carrot to keep going!

£1

K

Here’s the next pound… keep it up…

£1

K

What fantastic progress Michael. Proud of you!