On the 10 September I competed in a 75km Ultra Marathon trail run around Lake Windermere - and what a run it was. Known as The Lap this ultra event is not for the feint hearted.

I trained hard for it but nothing really prepares you for the physical challenge until you actually do it. It was one, if not the hardest events I have ever taken part it.

I completed the course in 10 hours, 55 minutes and came in 48th position out of a field of 426 - naturally I was over the moon with this, particularly with it being my first event of this distance.

Despite the challenge of the run itself it doesn’t come close to the remarkable work, dedication and bravery displayed every day by the volunteers of the Royal National Lifeboat Institute.

After watching 'Saving Lives at Sea' on TV I felt an immense need to raise money for the RNLI who's volunteers are everyday hero's risking their own lives to help others.

Watching some of the rescues from all over our island nation makes me so grateful we have this fantastic emergency service looking after us.

The water can be an unforgiving place and when you see the faces of the people being rescued by the RNLI you can understand how important and life saving their work is.

Too many people are still drowning at sea and more than ever we need the RNLI’s help and crucially they need our help too, in the form of donations.

As a charity, the RNLI depends on our donations so it can go on saving lives and keeping us and our loved ones safe.

RNLI lifesavers are our lifeline - they’re the lifeboat crews who provide 24-hour search and rescue right around the UK and Ireland.

The lifeguards keeping watch on 240 of the busiest beaches in the UK and Channel Islands.

In addition the RNLI safety teams and educators are working tirelessly to stop people getting into trouble in the first place.

The charity is quite literally amazing which is why I am so passionate about doing my bit to support it.

My Just Giving page can be found here - https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/jonathan-caunce

All donations, no matter how small would be greatly appreciated.