8-year-old Charlie has conquered the entire 112km coastal trail around the Isle of Wight, raising an incredible £1,740 for the RNLI after completing the mammoth challenge over 7-and-a-half days.
Charlie, from Lymington, crossed the finish line in Yarmouth on Thursday (20th August), having tackled the Island’s coastal route clockwise in stages throughout the school summer holidays.
As previously reported by Island Echo, the youngster set himself the challenge as a test of determination, preparation and perseverance, initially hoping to raise £250 for the lifesaving charity.
His adventure began with a run from Yarmouth to Newtown Nature Reserve, with subsequent stages taking him through East Cowes, Puckpool, Yaverland and Woody Bay.
Charlie then continued to the Dinosaur Expedition Centre before achieving a personal best of 18.6km on the penultimate full day of the challenge, taking him to Alum Bay.
His final stage saw him complete the circuit by travelling from Alum Bay back to Yarmouth.
Waiting at the finish were members of Yarmouth RNLI’s crew, with Rich, Tom, Chris and Ade giving Charlie a tour of the station’s all-weather lifeboat, 17-25 ‘Eric and Susan Hiscock – Wanderer’.
The youngster was also shown behind the scenes at the station, learning about the crew’s equipment and what happens when an emergency call comes in.
Charlie has now raised £1,740 for the RNLI – almost 7 times his original £250 target.
His mum, Emma Jeans, said supporting the charity has a special significance for the family, with this month marking what would have been the 100th birthday of Charlie’s late great-grandmother, from Guernsey, who supported the RNLI.
Emma has said:
“Charlie was greeted with a true hero’s welcome in Yarmouth on Thursday by members of the crew in their yellows.
“Such a privilege to take a look behind the scenes and meet such admirable people.
“As of today Charlie has raised £1,740 for the RNLI, with an initial target of £250, demonstrating how much people appreciate this cause. Who knows, maybe Charlie will become a crew member at some point in the future with these memories made.”
Meeting the volunteers appears to have inspired Charlie to consider joining the RNLI himself when he is older.
Charlie said:
“Touring the RNLI boat and meeting the crew was very, very cool. I want to join when I am older and help to save lives at sea.
“I am a little bit sad that it is over as it has been so much fun. My favourite bits have been the sea swims and time with my mum.
“I REALLY enjoyed my salted caramel ice cream at the finish in Yarmouth with a chocolate cone, sprinkles AND fudge.”
Alongside raising money, Charlie hopes his challenge will encourage other youngsters to get outdoors and find an adventure of their own – whether running, cycling, swimming, climbing or hiking.
Emma said breaking the coastal route into manageable stages had transformed what initially appeared to be an overwhelming challenge into an achievable one.
She added:
“Real strength isn’t always about doing the absolute maximum you can in one moment. Sometimes it’s about finding the pace that allows you to keep going, day after day, all the way to the finish.
“It’s so empowering for kids to realise the mental and physical benefits of committing to and seeing through a challenge in this way.”
Emma also thanked family, friends, Islanders and visitors who supported Charlie with donations, encouragement and help along the route.
“We have been blown away by the kindness of strangers, none of whom know Charlie, all of whom saw a young boy digging deep and offered him their support. Forever grateful.”
