RNLI marathon man abandons training for London Marathon to run to the rescue
by RNLI 6 Nov 2023 15:52 GMT
Mudeford RNLI volunteer, Scott Harburn © RNLI
Mudeford RNLI volunteer Scott Harburn was out training for the 2024 London Marathon recently when his RNLI pager started beeping. Seeing he was needed on a shout, Scott ran the 1.5 miles to the lifeboat station and within minutes he had changed into his dry suit and was out on the Mudeford Servant Atlantic 85 lifeboat assisting in a late night search - a shout that lasted six hours.
Scott, who joined Mudeford RNLI in 2020, said: 'Because of my work, my marathon training is mainly in the evenings. I always take my RNLI pager with me and keep to the local area in case it goes off. As an RNLI volunteer, you never know when you may be needed.'
New to running, Scott set himself the challenge of running the London Marathon to raise money for the RNLI. Scott said: 'I love being a part of the Mudeford RNLI volunteer crew. My godfather was a crew member for many years, and he inspired me to join.'
Working as a NHS physiotherapist, as well as training with his fellow RNLI volunteer crew members, finding time to run is not easy. Scott, however, is determined to be running the full 26.2 miles by March next year ready for the big event on 21 April 2024.
Scott concludes, 'I have never undertaken anything like the London Marathon before and running is a whole new world for me. My family and friends think I'm crazy, but they know how important the RNLI is to me and are very supportive. With the RNLI celebrating its 200th anniversary next year, it felt the right time to do something for the charity that I love.'
Mudeford RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager, Steve Doe, said: 'A big thank you to Scott for taking on this challenge and raising funds for the Mudeford Lifeboat Station. As a lifesaving charity we depend on people's generosity and support to continue our vital work. We wish Scott every success and although we are always on standby 24 hours, 365 days of the year, we hope his training isn't interrupted by any more shouts.'
Scott can be supported by using the following link: www.justgiving.com/page/scott-harburn-1693302718971
RNLI website: rnli.org