YOU’RE ONE OF THE CREW
I want to wish you the best of luck for running the London Marathon. The money you’re raising will help to fund the kit, equipment and training we rely on to save lives at sea. Taking on the marathon is a huge commitment and you’ve dedicated so much time and effort. You’re doing us proud. On behalf of every RNLI crew member, good luck and thank you.
Crew Member Suzanne Goldberg from Tower RNLI
Thank you for taking on this incredible challenge. By running the TCS London Marathon on behalf of the RNLI, you are racing to the rescue alongside our volunteer lifesavers to help save lives at sea. We are so proud to have you onboard.
Every run you do, every mile you rack up in training, every time you need to dig deep to keep running, we’re cheering you on. It’s thanks to the extraordinary efforts of people like you that the RNLI can operate a vital 24/7 search and rescue service around the UK and Ireland.
The money you raise could provide the kit and training that keeps our brave crew safe when they drop everything in an instant to go to the rescue of someone in danger at sea. It could help power the lifeboat that reaches a son, daughter, mother or father, before it’s too late.
The RNLI has been striving to save every one since 1824. In 2023, our volunteer lifeboat crew went to the aid of 10,734 people and our beach lifeguards aided 19,979 people. The money you raise by taking on this challenge will help us continue to save lives for generations to come. We can’t thank you enough.
Chat and share tips with fellow runners in our RNLI Runners Facebook group Search facebook.com/groups/RNLIrunners
We’re cheering you on to help reach your fundraising finish line. Follow this simple guide to fundraising, then you’re ready to launch!
An Enthuse fundraising page will automatically be created for you when you register with the TCS London Marathon.
To get started, check your email for the link to your fundraising page.
Let your friends and family know your fundraising goal. That way, they can follow your progress, feel part of your support team and be more likely to help you reach your target.
Use #RNLIMarathon across your social media channels to let everyone know that you’re taking on an amazing challenge on behalf of the RNLI.
... to equip the crew with lifesaving kit and training. Every penny you raise will go directly to saving lives at sea. Here’s how your amazing commitment will make a difference.
Help your friends and family understand why you’re running for the RNLI and how every penny you raise will help save lives at sea.
Your supporters will love to see a profile pic. And during training, whether it’s a snap of your sweaty socks after a training session, or a happy selfie after a run, sharing pics will boost donations.
There are so many fantastic ways to fundraise. Here’s a handful to get you started.
Share your sweepstake poster with friends, family and colleagues. Ask them to guess the time you’ll complete the 26.2 mile TCS London Marathon, for a donation.
For those competitive pals, devise a quiz and ask for a donation to enter.
Everyone loves cake. Why not arrange a cake sale at work during a coffee break?
Ask friends, family and local businesses to donate goods you can raffle.
Cook up a storm for guests for a donation.
Pushed for time? Try these quick and easy ideas.
Add your fundraising page to your email signature to let your contacts know you’re running the TCS London Marathon.
Ask your workmates to bring in their baby snaps and arrange a guess who’s who for a donation.
Sort out the clothes you don’t wear and sell them to raise funds.
Hold a movie night for friends for a donation. Remember the popcorn!
Need more inspiration? You’ll find 75 ideas at rnli.org/support-us/raise-money/fundraising-ideas
• Schedule events into your calendar.
• Get your family and friends onboard.
• Use social media to promote your fundraising and advertise your events.
• Share your page on payday, your birthday or a special anniversary to boost donations.
• Share pics of your events and progress to inspire more donations.
Encourage your supporters to donate directly to your personal fundraising page and if you do get cash, the easiest thing to do is bank it yourself and donate the amount to your page.
With Gift Aid, you and your supporters can boost your donation by 25p for every £1 donated – and it won’t cost a penny extra. Gift Aid is an HM Revenue and Customs scheme that allows charities to reclaim an extra 25% on donations. That means that for every £1 donated to the RNLI by a UK taxpayer, the charity gets an extra 25p. All you and your supporters need to do is tick the Gift Aid box when making a donation.
TCS London Marathon will let you know what time you need to be at the start line, so plan your journey there with plenty of time to spare. If you need it, book accommodation well in advance.
Inevitable queues for toilets mean you need to factor in extra time before you need to be at the start line.
Lucky running socks, RNLI training vest – sort and pack your kit in plenty of time. Have a wet weather option and remember to apply your suncream!
Take a moment to appreciate the grit and determination it’s taken to train as part of the RNLI running crew. And that with every step you take, you’re helping to save lives at sea.
Running the TCS London Marathon is a massive achievement. Give your fundraising one last push before and after the event, sharing pics with your supporters.
We’re standing by and here to help with any questions you might have at events@rnli.org.uk
