10,000 thanks from Lytham St Annes RNLI

That’s far and away a record for the annual event which in its previous six years of being held on a single Sunday morning, has traditionally raised around £4,000.

This year, restrictions because of the coronavirus pandemic meant Leg It – which invites people to cover the 3.5 mile distance between Lytham and St Annes lifeboat stations by running, walking or even pushing a pram – had to be called off on its traditional May date.

A new format for the local station’s biggest annual fund-raiser was devised, which offered the opportunity for participants to cover the distance at any time they liked during September and hundreds took up the challenge, with some even having a go multiple times.

Digby Moulden, chairman of the Lytham St Annes RNLI fund-raising branch, who pushed grandson James along the course in his pushchair, said: “On behalf of all the crew and volunteers at Lytham St Annes RNLI, my sincere and huge thanks to everybody who has contributed to the success of our Leg It for the Lifeboats held throughout the month of September.

“To date we have raised just over £10,000 and all the money raised will go to the running of our lifeboat stations and lifeboats at Lytham and St Annes.

“Thank you all for helping to save lives at sea.”

Crew member Tracey Hope tackled the course every single day of the month and said after hearing of the amount raised: “What a brilliant effort. It’s another brilliant example of this area’s wonderful community spirit and other RNLI stations have already been in touch about doing something similar themselves.”

John Chamley was another committed crew member, completing the course 12 times, starting on day one, with his employers donating £50 each time he ran. His planned 13th and final run due on September 30 had to be cancelled because of a calf muscle injury.

Station press officer David Forshaw said the amount raised is especially pleasing because of the effect the pandemic has had on fund-raising generally.

“As would be expected the cost of sending a lifeboat out to sea to rescue someone has remained the same but the charity’s income has plummeted with the Covid-19 restrictions in place,” he said.

“The month-long concept was started with the hope of raising £3,000 but thanks to the generosity of the participants, the locals and visitors to the town, that figure was reached halfway through the month and the incredible final total will all go to help saving lives at sea.”

It is estimated that around 400 individuals took part, around twice the number of those which take part each year under the usual format.

Mr Forshaw said that preparations for next year’s Leg It would begin shortly – and that this year’s success will be high on the agenda of discussions.

“The new format could well be the way to go or more likely some combination of the two,” he said.

“Our coxswain Tom Stuart, who took part with colleagues early on the opening day of the month and later with his family, has already suggested a crew run in gear during darkness next year so the reflective strips on life jackets would be the only visible thing.

“It is something a little bit different but we will see what is decided.”