A Yorkshire-based retiree is set to visit the volunteer crew at Burnham RNLI tomorrow (Sunday, 6 March) on the Essex leg of his fundraising tour around the UK to help the charity save more lives at sea.

David Holdsworth, 70, is visiting 180 of the 238 lifeboat stations operated in the UK and Ireland by the RNLI in memory of his mum, Mick, as it was her "favourite charity".

He said: "Since being a young boy it has been no secret that this was my mum's favourite charity, which is the inspiration behind this journey.

"So to honour my mum, and all the lives lost at sea, it would be much appreciated if you could show your support."

The RNLI provides 24-hour lifeboat search and rescue services, seasonal lifeguards, water safety initiatives and a flood rescue response.

David hopes to raise £2,000 for the charity as it does not receive any government funding, meaning it largely relies on donations from the public.

"By donating you will be showing your support to the volunteer crews who provide 24-hour search and rescue, risking their lives to save others," he added.

David is completing the 66-day challenge using the campervan he and his wife Hazel, who he lives with in Wakefield, recently bought - affectionately named Betty Bus after Hazel's mum - and staying in various caravan parks and B&Bs along the way.

He kicked off his adventure on Tuesday (1 March) from Cleethorpes Lifeboat Station and plans to visit all six Essex lifeboat stations in just two days, after arriving at Harwich RNLI Station yesterday morning.

He hopes to reach the Burnham crew between 9.30am and 10am tomorrow.

A spokesperson for Burnham RNLI said the crew is "looking forward" to meeting David.

"It's pretty mad, but very exciting and very challenging at my age," David added.

Sarah Child, senior community manager at the RNLI, said: "We are truly grateful to David for his epic challenge raising vital funds for the RNLI in memory of his mum.

"The RNLI is powered by the public's generosity and we are so grateful for his support, which will help us to continue to save everyone."

David hopes to complete his tour at Humber Lifeboat Station by 5 May, after having travelled 4,625 miles around England, Wales and Scotland.

You can donate to David's JustGiving page here.

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