Brewers have supported the RNLI’s life saving work across the country over the years through paint donation and sponsorship. Lately, Brewers have been able to contribute towards the fantastic fundraising effort by the Torbay Lifeboat Crew by becoming gold sponsors of their Kilimanjaro challenge.

Torbay RNLI is preparing to say ‘calm winds and fair seas’ to several of its longstanding volunteers in the future, who have collectively accumulated an incredible volunteering record of over 220 years. To go out with a bang, the station has launched the Kilimanjaro Challenge 2023 which will see station volunteers take part in a series of relay challenges this year, culminating in eight crew climbing Mount Kilimanjaro in February 2023.

‘The Kilimanjaro Challenge 2023’ consists of six sequential challenges from May 2022 to February 2023, including skydiving, endurance swimming, cycling, rowing, driving, and finally hiking to the top of Mount Kilimanjaro, one of the highest mountains in the world. The entire Torbay lifeboat crew will be attempting different feats that push them outside their comfort zone and experience, with the aim to raise an incredible £60,000 for Torbay RNLI.

Ian ‘Barney’ Barnaby is leading the organisation of the fundraiser. He said:
“Myself and eight other volunteers at Torbay RNLI are all approaching our retirement ages from active RNLI duties over the next few years. We’ve all been a part of the station for such a long time, it felt right to make sure we ended with a bang, so we came up with the idea to climb Kilimnajaro!”

“It’s not going to be easy, as our average age is 60! But it’s a once in a lifetime opportunity and to be able to raise money for Torbay RNLI where we’ve volunteered for decades, is so important to us. The idea grew into a relay so the whole crew can be involved and it’s going to be a huge team effort. We’re delighted Brewers have become a gold sponsor for our Kilimanjaro Challenge.”

“It’s another major step towards achieving our fundraising target of £60,000 and a great name to add to our supporters and of course to the flag, which we are carrying to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro in February. Every penny of your very generous donation will be used to ensure our Torbay lifeboats remain operational 24/7 365 days a year.”

The eight volunteers climbing Mount Kilimanjaro are: crew members Ian ‘Barney’ Barnaby, Richard Fowler, Roger Good, Simon James, Gary Fletcher, Richard Burden, Lifeboat Operations Manager Nick O’Brien, and Lifeboat Medical Advisor Dr Rob Bromige. Collectively they have an average age of 60 and incredible 193 years of volunteering experience.

With the sky dive, cycle, swim and row already completed, just the drive and climb remain. Brewers would like to send a huge congratulations to those who have already completed their leg of the challenge and send luck to those who are yet to take part. So far, the team have raised over £53,000 and are so close to their target. We will be sure to keep you updated and let you know how these incredible volunteers get on!

Head over to the JustGiving Page: https://justgiving.com/campaign/RNLITorbaykili23