Two boys have completed a 100k run in aid of West Kirby Lifeboat.
Jack and Orson Wakefield, aged 9 and 11, were inspired to embark on the month-long challenge after seeing a TV news report about how the organisation has struggled for funding due to the Covid pandemic.
They were met and thanked by the West Kirby Lifeboat and crew as they completed their fundraising marathon over the weekend.
Dad Rob told West Kirby Today: “They have always been interested in the RNLI. I think it comes from their love of the sea and swimming.
“They started watching the TV series ‘Saving Lives at Sea’ and began to understand the importance of the service they provide.
“They then heard on a Newsround programme about how charities were struggling in lockdown and decided to set themselves the challenge of running 100km in a month.
“We set a target of £100 and we soon achieved that through kind sponsorship. As parents we were amazed how people began to pick up on what the boys were doing and they’ve now raised in excess of £1,000.
“It shows how highly the RNLI are regarded by the public but also the difficulty if the challenge the boys have set themselves.”
He added: “Throughout it the West Kirby RNLI station have been really supportive and to have them greet the boys at the end of their last run with the boat and some of the crew was tremendous. It really meant an awful lot to the boys and we as a family really appreciated it.”
Jack and Orson told us they did the run because the RNLI “always give up their time to help people who get into trouble, even if it means putting themselves in danger.”
The pair attend Our Lady of Pity RC Primary School in Greasby, and Jack goes to Hoylake Swimming Club.
In a statement on Facebook, West Kirby RNLI described them as “absolute heroes” and said it was a “pleasure and an honour” to meet them at the end of the run.
They wrote: “On behalf of West Kirby Lifeboat and the greater RNLI, from the bottom of our hearts, THANK YOU!!!
“Funding has been hard for everyone this year, so please dig deep for all of your favourite charities.”
You can donate to the boys fundraising page here: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/lesley-wakefield?utm_campaign=lc_frp_share_transaction_fundra
Photos credit: David Edwards
