Members of three RNLI lifeboat stations scale Errigal in full gear

Volunteers from three Donegal-based RNLI Lifeboat stations scaled Errigal in full lifeboat gear as part of the charity’s Mayday fundraising campaign this morning.

The sun shone high in a cloudless sky as the volunteers from the Bundoran, Lough Swilly and Arranmore lifeboats stations took off shortly after 10am. 

It took the six crew, two from each station just over two hours to scale the 751 metres (2,464 ft) mountain and make their way back down. They stopped for a while to enjoy the view from the iconic mountain on top. 

The idea for the challenge came about after three members of the Bundoran crew walked the Bundoran 10-mile event last year in their full kit, raising over €6,000 for the charity. This year they wanted to do something different, while involving their fellow lifeboat crew mates from Lough Swilly and Arranmore.   

Aisling Cox and Brian Proctor from Arranmore RNLI, Chris Fox and Brian Fowley from Bundoran RNLI and Stephen Quigley and Barry Nixon from Lough Swilly RNLI all volunteered for this morning's challenge. 

Arranmore RNLI’s Aisling Cox said she hopeful the climb will help to raise the funds needed to keep all three stations running: "Mayday is our own call for help, as we rely on the generosity of the public to take part in events like the Mayday Mile and raise the funds that allow us to be there when we’re needed most. But we need to be ready. Training, kit, stations and fuel, these are just some of the things we need to save lives, and that people fundraising can help provide."  

With the three stations in County Donegal expected to be busy this summer, the RNLI is asking people to support the Mayday Mile throughout the month of May. Our supporters are being asked to cover a distance in any way they choose and raise vital funds to keep people safe.   

Donations to the Errigal challenge can be made via a special Just Giving page by clicking here the final sum will be divided equally between the three Donegal stations.