Leigh Lewis, from Writhlington, will be riding his bike from Burnham-on-Sea Royal National Lifeboat Station (RNLI) to Llandudno RNLI Station in North Wales, starting this Saturday, 17th May. Leaving early in the morning at 6 a.m., Leigh will take approximately 4/5 days, calling in at Mumbles, Cardigan and Barmouth RNLI Stations on the way, travelling a distance of just over 400 miles in support of the lifeboat charity.

Leigh drives coaches for Arleen, at Peasedown St John and has been riding his bike to work (through the Bike To Work scheme) to get in training for the ride. Last year, he went parachuting for the first time in aid of charity.

"This is way out of my comfort zone of being a coach driver," Leigh said. "The charity relies on donations to save lives. So, please help me to help them save more lives – it could be yours or mine."

So why Llandudno? Well, that's where Leigh's mum has a guest house, so at least he'll be able to have a good rest before returning home, (probably not on the bike, though).

The daily running costs of the RNLI are £250,000 and it receives no support from Government. Volunteer lifeboat crews rescue on average 22 people every day of the year, often risking their own lives to help others.

Llandudno is one of seventeen RNLI stations around the coast earmarked to receive a newly-introduced Shannon Class all-weather lifeboat which, including launch and recovery system, cost £3.5 million each. The Burnham-on-Sea Station operate two inshore lifeboats, which in total cost over £240,000.

"It costs £896 to fully kit out one volunteer crew member and it will be great if I can raise enough to keep them safe and warm to do the job," continued Leigh.

Leigh is still looking for sponsors. Sponsorship money can be left at Arleen Coaches in Peasedown St John, who have a RNLI collecting box, texting 'LLBR70' and the amount to 70070, or online at http://www.justgiving.com/leigh-lewis1">www.justgiving.com/leigh-lewis1 If you are a taxpayer, don't forget to Gift Aid, as this will increase your giving to any registered charity by at least 20% at no extra cost.