Dover's RNLI volunteers are getting ready to support the charity's national day of Fundraising with a static rowing machine challenge. This year they are going to attempt to row the equivalent distance to Chiswick lifeboat station on the River Thames.
The event will take place on Saturday 28th January in Biggin Street outside St Mary's Church. Over the last three years the crew have raised more than £5000 with their SOS day challenge events and are hoping that the people of Dover will be generous once again with their support.
The lifeboat crew will be taking it in turns to clock up the miles with a target distance of 105 miles (171km). Chiswick lifeboat station was chosen as this year's 'destination' as it is the station where Dover lifeboat Coxswain, Mark 'Foggy' Finnis works his shifts as a full time lifeboatman.
The imaginary route will see the crew pass seven other RNLI lifeboat stations as they go around North Foreland, past the Isle of Sheppey and through the Thames Estuary before going through the centre of London.
Dover Coxswain, Mark Finnis said: "Unfortunately, I am working at Chiswick on the 28th but I'll keep up to date with progress throughout the day. I've promised the crew I'll have a bottle of champagne ready for their arrival at Chiswick but, if they are only going to row an imaginary route, I think I'll get away with an imaginary bottle.
On a more serious note these challenges show the public the commitment we have to ensure the funding of the RNLI continues in the current difficult financial climate and that we are able to remain fully able to respond to emergencies at sea."
Chairman of the Dover Lifeboat Fundraisers, Barbara Stapleton said: "Our volunteer crewmen and women go out in all weathers, so it's vital that we raise funds to ensure that their training and equipment is of the highest standard. We want our volunteers and the people they rescue to come home safely."
Notes to editors
Dover lifeboat station has been operating since 1837. To learn more about the lifeboat station go to
www.rnli.org.uk/dover
Dover Lifeboat Station currently operates, City of London II, a Severn class, all-weather-lifeboat. The 17m vessel is self righting, capable of 25knots, crewed at sea by a Coxswain and six crew.
The Dover Lifeboat Station and shop is situated in the Marina on the Crosswall Quay, Union Street.
Members of the crew and fundraisers will be available for interview and photographs during the day.
SOS Day is the RNLI's biggest fundraising day for more details please visit
www.rnli.org.uk/sosday 
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