Weymouth woman answers the RNLI's Mayday call for help
Teresa Drage has set herself a major challenge
Teresa Drage from Weymouth has answered the RNLI's Mayday call for help.
Through a month-long challenge, she hopes to raise funds and awareness for her local lifeboat station.
The RNLI's Mayday campaign launches today (1 May) and runs throughout the month.
Lifesavers in the south west are calling on supporters to join the Mayday Mile and cover at least one mile in any way they chose and raise vital funds to keep people safe on our coastline.
Teresa has decided to take the challenge a step further. Starting on the first of the month, Teresa plans to walk at least one mile every day in May with a grand finale on the 31st May.
Teresa is partially disabled and uses the aid of a walker to help her get around. This challenge will be a real feat for her, but she's determined to see it through.
She said:
"To me, volunteers at RNLI Weymouth are lifesavers. Seeing the work they do gave me a new purpose and I want to give back in any way that I can'."
As well as bringing in donations, Teresa wants to raise awareness of the charity and the work of the crew members. On her daily walks she will carry a RNLI yellow wellington boot and a homemade poster, so any passers-by can donate.
Teresa has grown up around Weymouth her whole life. She has strong connections to the coast and the local fishing community.
"The sea is very unpredictable - you'll never know when you may need the help of the RNLI", she said.
Teresa began her RNLI volunteering journey by helping to organise a Lifeboat week fundraising event. She then became a volunteer in the RNLI shop and joined the fundraising committee, and the rest is history.
Teresa is now the head of fundraising at RNLI Weymouth, leading by example she hopes to inspire others to answer the RNLI's Mayday call for help; 'As head of fundraising (Weymouth RNLI) I had to do something. You've got to get out there and do it yourself.'