Volunteer helm Dan Sinclair and his friend Nathan Siddans have achieved a remarkable feat by completing the Deal Half Marathon while wearing full RNLI inshore lifeboat kit. They finished the 13.1-mile race in an impressive two hours and 15 minutes, raising £1,400 for the charity in the process.
Challenging Conditions and Symbolic Effort
On February 15, Dan and Nathan took on the half marathon dressed in full operational gear, including thermals, drysuits with inbuilt steel-toe-capped welly boots, lifejackets, and helmets. This ensemble weighed approximately 11kg, adding significant difficulty to their run.
The pair explained that this challenge symbolises the physical readiness and unwavering dedication demonstrated by RNLI volunteer crews every time their pagers sound for a rescue mission.
Upcoming London Marathon Challenge
In just two months, on April 26, Dan and Nathan plan to push their limits even further by tackling the full 26.2 miles of the London Marathon. They will once again wear the RNLI inshore lifeboat kit, aiming to raise a total of £4,600 across both events.
Dan, who has volunteered at Walmer RNLI for 18 years, shared his thoughts: "We’re incredibly proud to have completed the half marathon in two hours 15 minutes, especially in full kit. It was tough at times, with high winds and heavy rain for the entire run, but also good fun with a great community spirit to help us round."
Fundraising Goals and Community Support
Dan emphasised their motivation: "We want to raise as much money as possible to help the RNLI continue its vital work saving lives at sea." This is not their first demanding fundraising effort; in October 2025, they raised £16,000—far exceeding their £2,000 target—by cycling 1,000 miles over 10 days from John o’Groats to Land’s End and summiting Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike, and Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) along the way.
Nathan added: "The support from our community and loved ones has been incredible. Completing the half marathon has motivated us even more for the London Marathon in April. Every donation, no matter the amount, helps to support the selfless volunteer crews who drop everything to save lives at sea."
The duo's efforts highlight the ongoing need for fundraising to support the RNLI's lifesaving operations, with their upcoming marathon challenge set to further boost awareness and contributions.
