Eight-Year-Old Completes 112km Isle Of Wight Coastal Challenge For RNLI

An eight-year-old boy from the New Forest has completed a 112-kilometre run around the Isle of Wight coast to raise money for the RNLI.

Charlie, from Pilley near Lymington, took on the challenge with his mum during the summer holidays, completing the coastal path in eight stages over seven-and-a-half days.

The pair travelled clockwise around the Island, starting in Yarmouth and finishing back there on Thursday.

Charlie’s route took him from Yarmouth to Newtown, East Cowes, Puckpool, Yaverland, Woody Bay, the Dinosaur Expedition Centre, Alum Bay and finally back to Yarmouth.

His longest individual stage was 18.6 kilometres, from the Dinosaur Expedition Centre to Alum Bay.

Charlie was given a hero’s welcome when he arrived in Yarmouth, where members of the RNLI crew showed him around the lifeboat Eric and Susan Hiscock - Wanderer and gave him a behind-the-scenes look at the station.

Charlie said:

“Touring the RNLI boat and meeting the crew was very, very cool. I want to join when I am older and help to save lives at sea.

“I am a little bit sad that it is over as it has been so much fun. My favourite bits have been the sea swims and time with my mum.”

He also admitted his favourite part of the finish was a salted caramel ice cream with a chocolate cone, sprinkles and fudge.

The challenge has so far raised more than £1,900 for the RNLI, despite Charlie initially setting a target of just £250.

His mum says the challenge has been much more than a run, with Charlie involved in everything from planning the route and choosing his kit and snacks, to designing his T-shirt, keeping an expedition journal and organising travel.

She says Charlie initially expected to cover around 13 kilometres a day, but soon discovered he could manage closer to 16 kilometres.

The challenge has also been inspired by the family’s connection to the RNLI, with the family recently marking what would have been Charlie’s late great-grandmother’s 100th birthday.

She was from Guernsey and was a lifelong supporter of the charity.

Charlie’s mum says the pair have been overwhelmed by the support they received from people along the route, including walkers, visitors, taxi drivers, pub staff and ice cream sellers.

One woman they met on the ferry offered to donate £25 if they spotted a red squirrel during the challenge. Although they didn't see one, she donated anyway.

Another passenger, Chris, bought Charlie a packet of fruit pastilles to help keep him fuelled.

Charlie’s mum says those moments of kindness have “restored our faith in humanity” and shown just how supportive people can be.

She hopes Charlie’s challenge will inspire other children to set themselves an adventure of their own – whether that is walking, cycling, swimming or climbing.

Charlie is already looking ahead to his next challenge, with his sights set on climbing Scafell Pike next summer.

Charlie’s fundraising for the RNLI remains open, with more than £1,900 raised so far.