Supporting the RNLI: Boxing Day swim for a lifesaving cause

MDL colleagues Kyle and Leah brave cold waters in Fraserburgh to raise vital funds for the RNLI.

On Boxing Day, two of our colleagues, Kyle Slaven and Leah Brown, swapped their dry suits for "dookers" as they took part in a challenging 52-metre swim across Fraserburgh Harbour, raising vital funds for the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI).

Both Kyle and Leah serve as HM Coastguard Search and Rescue Officers, operating on a 24/7 call-out basis in some of the most demanding conditions imaginable. Call-outs can include everything from cliff rescues in severe weather to entering the water to assist people in distress - challenging situations that require skill, resilience and teamwork.

Through their roles, Kyle and Leah regularly work alongside RNLI crews during emergency incidents, giving them first-hand insight into the lifesaving impact the charity has on the coastal communities across the UK.

Kyle said:

“I joined the Coastguard in early 2021 during the COVID period, looking for a new challenge in life and a way to give something back to the community. Over time, I’ve worked my way up within the teams, developing a broad range of skills and drills, and I’m now also attached to a second team. Supporting the RNLI is important to me both personally and professionally.

"The RNLI is a vital asset to His Majesty’s Coastguard and we work closely with them on the majority of taskings, whether that’s searching for a lost or missing person along the shoreline or recovering someone or something from the water. HM Coastguard team members support the RNLI in many ways and for me personally, I like to raise money for them by pushing myself to do something outside my comfort zone.

"It felt colder waiting to get into the water, but once I was in, it wasn’t too bad, I was more worried about my dookers coming off! It was great to push the boundaries, raise money for charity and have a laugh at the same time.”

Leah added:

“I did it mainly for a bit of fun really and what better way to raise money for a good cause at the same time! Because we work so closely with the lifeboat as part of the Coastguard, they are an essential asset to us, so I’m always happy to help raise money for them.

"It was extremely cold, I think the water was around 4°C, so it was definitely a shock to the system. It didn’t help having four seals swimming around us either! A lovely cup of tea afterwards helped us warm back up.”

How you can still support

The donation pages are still live and any sponsorship will go directly towards supporting the RNLI’s vital work, helping to fund rescue boats, training, equipment and volunteer crews who respond whenever the call comes.

Support Kyle: https://www.justgiving.com/page/kyle-slaven-1?utm_medium=FR&utm_source=CL

Support Leah: https://www.justgiving.com/page/leah-brown-1?utm_medium=FR&utm_source=WA

“We would like to thank everyone at MDL and beyond for their generous sponsorship. We are hugely humbled by the amount raised and everyone’s generosity.”