Leg It For the Lifeboats is back to boost RNLI coffers

The event usually held on a single Sunday morning in May was cancelled last year because of the Covid lockdown, then rescheduled for September, when supporters had all 30 days to tackle the sponsored run solo or with family.

The new format proved a big hit as hundreds rose to the challenge.

Traditionally the local RNLI’s biggest fund-raiser of the year since first taking place in 2014, the event smashed all previous records, with nearly £12,000 raised as people of all ages took part.

Participants are welcome to tackle the distance when, and indeed however many times, they like, but to help choose a date, Lytham St Annes RNLI has come up with a series of themed weekends through the month.

Over the opening weekend, May 1, 2 and 3,including bank holiday Monday, some of the RNLI crew will be doing the run in their kit.

On May 8, it’s ‘Light Up For Leg it’, from sunset,participants are invited to get involved using items such as glowsticks, bike lights and torches.

On May 15 and 16, it’s Doggy Leg-It, the opportunity to take your pet along on the run, complete with a doggy bandana available from the RNLI shop.

May 22 and 23 will see a invitation take part in fancy dress, club gear or uniform and on May 31, the final day will see the crew and their families taking part to round off the month.

Fylde-based funnymen, father and son Roy and Phil Walker, have already been down to the boathouse at St Annes Promenade to show their support for the event

"It's a great charity and really deserves our support," said Phil, who is set to tackle to course with RNLI crew on Saturday.

"The team there do a great job and I hope lots of people will take part through the month."

A Lytham St Annes RNLI spokesman said: “We were so grateful for the wonderful amount raised last year. It was far more than we anticipated or hoped for.”

There is no need to register for the event. All the RNLI asks is that participants take some photographs at the start and finish and share them at the Lytham St Annes RNLI Facebook, Instagram or Twitter pages.

"Donations can then be made to: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/LegItfoLytham2021"

Of the £11,875 total raised last year, £11,325 went to local branch funds, with the rest to the RNLI headquarters.

More details at www.lythamlifeboats.co.uk/legit.html or by emailing Alison Young, [email protected]

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