A LIFE-saving Poole charity has launched a campaign to encourage people to get sponsored to drink only water for two weeks.

The RNLI, which is based on West Quay Road, have launched the H2Only challenge, which will see staff and members of the public give up tea, coffee, alcohol and fruit juice in exchange for glasses of water.

It runs from May 27 to June 10, and the charity hopes that people will get involved by either getting sponsored to take part themselves, or by sponsoring someone they know who is taking part.

Participants in the challenge can also download a free app, giving information about the money and calories saved by drinking only water.

Hugh Fogarty, Head of Operations for the RNLI, said: “It has been developed as a social media campaign, because, as the world changes, our traditional methods of fundraising also need to as well.

“Young people are always on their phones and so we wanted to incorporate that into the campaign, as a way to donate, and for people to get involved. As an operator, I recognise that nothing that our volunteers do would be possible without the fundraisers. As an organisation and charity, we could not exist without people’s donations.”

Chris Speers, volunteer crew member at the RNLI’s Poole Lifeboat Station, said: “As a crew member, I know just how important every pound raised is.

“It pays for the lifeboats we use, our kit and our training, all of which keeps us safe when we are out on a shout.”

For more information, to sign up to the campaign and download the app, go to H2only.org.uk