A COUPLE touring RNLI stations across the country have arrived in style to Mudeford.

James and Belinda Richardson challenged themselves to visit all the 116 RNLI stations in England in just 23 days.

Driving a one-of-a-kind orange and blue RNLI branded Porsche 911, the pair will have covered over 3,000 miles by the time they complete the tour.

Their ‘RNLI-911 Challenge 2023’ has also raised more than £70,000 – funds which will be directed towards buying a new lifeboat for the charity.

On Friday, August 25, and three days into their trip, James and Belinda arrived at the Mudeford RNLI station in their Porsche to a warm welcome from volunteers.

RNLI lifeboat operations manager, Richard Stride, said: “We really appreciate Belinda and James coming to visit us here at the Mudeford RNLI Lifeboat station.

"The fantastic work they are doing raising money for the RNLI allows our charity to continue fulfilling its vital mission, saving lives at sea.”

Bournemouth Echo: James and Belinda Richardson (in the orange caps) at Mudeford RNLI stationJames and Belinda Richardson (in the orange caps) at Mudeford RNLI station (Image: NQ)

After presenting a plaque to Richard, the London-based couple spent time talking and taking pictures with the volunteer RNLI crew.

Belinda and James have been big fans of the RNLI since owning a boat on the Thames more than 20 years ago.

Belinda said: “We had originally planned to go touring on the continent in our retirement but after watching the ‘Saving Lives at Sea’ programme, we could see a way to tour and at the same time raise money for a charity we both love.

"We have raised over £70,000 so far and our mission is to raise enough to buy a brand new D Class lifeboat by 2024.”

The couple’s visit to Mudeford, which was their first destination on the mainland, was sponsored by Porsche Bournemouth.

Their journey is expected to finish on September 14.

Jonathan Sullivan, centre principal at Porsche Bournemouth, said: "We have huge respect and admiration for James and Belinda’s RNLI-911 Challenge raising funds for the RNLI.

"With our centre located so close to RNLI headquarters and the Mudeford Lifeboat Station we really wanted to get involved and support this amazing charity."