Volunteer crew members from Teddington's RNLI lifeboat station will run a 200km relay in 24 hours this Friday, 21 June, to raise funds for the organisation's operations.

The Teddington Lock Island Run is part of the RNLI's wider 200-year anniversary celebrations this year, with recent events including a 50-mile row of a century-old lifeboat from Gravesend to the Teddington station's open day over the course of two days. 

The run, described by a station spokesperson as 'gruelling', will start at 6pm led by RNLI Mascot 'Stormy Stan', and will continue throughout the night and the next day until the target is achieved.

Friends and family will be joining the crew of the volunteer-run lifeboat station in their attempt to walk or run 200km around Lock Island, equivalent to a speed of 8.4kph or 5.2mph.

The latter will be running in their drysuits and helmets, along with other RNLI volunteers from fundraising, education and water safety.

The Typhoon drysuits currently used by the RNLI were first issued to inland stations like Teddington in the early 2000s. (Photo: Ollie G. Monk)

Also taking part are representatives of partner agencies and other emergency services, including the Environment Agency, City of London Police, Surrey Police, Surrey Fire and Rescue Service, and South East Coast Ambulance Service.

The funds will go towards the station's continued operations on the River Thames. One of the RNLI's latest lifeboat stations, Teddington launched its lifeboats 96 times last year.

Co-organisers of the event, Ian Chappell from the volunteer launch authority, and RNLI volunteer crew member Jan Lowe, said: "We would like to thank everyone wholeheartedly for their support for this amazing event."

Those wishing to make a donation as part of the run can do so here.