Guinness record holder cycles into Wick as part of bid to visit 168 UK lifeboat stations
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A young man who features in the Guinness Book of Records cycled to Wick harbour on Saturday morning as part of a 7000km journey around UK lifeboat stations.
Harry Lidgley (23) is on a solo expedition called The Great British Lifeboat Cycle (GBLC) and raising money for the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) as he travels around the British coastline.
Harry had previously been a part of the Exe Endurow team which successfully rowed around the British mainland in the summer of 2020, becoming the Guinness Book of Records holders for the youngest crew to complete this challenge and raising funds for Just One Ocean and The British Red Cross Covid appeal. Although not required, the presence of the RNLI gave the team confidence and boosted morale while navigating remote and potentially dangerous waters.
“Having spent many hours sailing with my family I have been aware of the lifesaving work of the RNLI," said Harry. "It was reassuring to know that if we were to get into trouble on the row we could have called upon their assistance. Like many other charities, the RNLI’s fundraising opportunities have really taken a hit during the pandemic, so the aim of this challenge is to support the charity and raise £5000 for their funds.”
To date, the fundraising effort has achieved 61 per cent of its target and stands at £3068. Harry has now visited 86 lifeboat stations, cycling 3775km and is more than halfway around the journey.
On Sunday, he visited John O’Groats and took in the Thurso lifeboat as well. The GBLC set off from the RNLI headquarters in Poole on May 1, heading west towards Land's End on the first leg of the 7000km ride. Harry is hoping to return to Poole in six weeks, having visited 168 lifeboat stations around the mainland coast, on a journey which is the equivalent of going from Land's End to John O’Groats five times over.
Meeting Harry – and his brother Jack who is travelling along in a support vehicle – was Wick's Professor Iain Baikie along with his son Joni who knew the cycling enthusiast from Cambridge University. Wick lifeboat mechanic Johnny Grant was also in attendance representing members of the local crew whose numbers were restricted to one due to Covid.
Professor Baikie said: "I met Harry a year ago when he was part of a group rowing around the UK to raise funds for the RNLI. I was paddling a double sea kayak and we encountered each other about two miles east of Noss Head in fairly large waves.
"It was so very inspiring to meet an extremely fit team of young people who seemed to take massive challenges in their stride. When Harry indicated he wanted to raise more funds for the RNLI by challenging himself to cycle to all the UK RNLI lifeboat stations I was moved to assist his endeavour by pledging company sponsorship."
The Wick scientist said he was "very proud" to see the KP Technology logo on Harry's shirt and backed the RNLI fundraiser with great enthusiasm having been an active sea kayaker for 40 years.
"The service the RNLI provides to all mariners is never taken for granted. Harry is an inspiring individual and I wonder what he will do next – probably a global challenge."
You can follow Harry’s progress on his website www.gblifeboatcycle.com and Instagram @gblifeboatcycle and can donate at www.justgiving.com/fundraising/gblifeboatcycle
