Mission accomplished: Coleg Llandrillo students fundraise throughout May for the RNLI
During May, Coleg Llandrillo Public Services and Sports students took part in three challenges to raise money for the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI).
From the shores of Rhyl to the gym floor at Rhos-on-Sea, the energy and dedication shown by both staff and students was inspiring.
Not only did the students complete all three challenges, they also developed their own materials to promote their fundraising efforts.
The May Day Mile
Kicking off the fundraising, on May 1 students from the Rhyl campus hit the promenade, walking a mile from the Rhyl RNLI station and back. RNLI volunteers gave the students an exclusive tour of the station. With the chance to see the equipment up close, the students heard first hand what life as an RNLI volunteer is like and the challenges and dangers they face to help those in need.
The Lift a Lifeboat Challenge
On May 13, the Academy Gym at Coleg Llandrillo’s Rhos-on-Sea campus became a powerhouse of activity. Students traded their textbooks for training gear and put their strength and endurance to the test to lift a total of 42,375 kg, which is the equivalent to more than two of the Shannon class lifeboats used by the RNLI.
The Llandudno Trek
On May 20, 33 students from the Rhos-on-Sea campus completed a sponsored walk from the college to the Llandudno RNLI station and back. At the station, the students were given a warm welcome by the Llandudno station’s Visits Team. They had the chance to see a volunteer team in action when a call came in, and they watched as the boat launched from the beach. The students also learned about the history of the RNLI and saw some of the old equipment that volunteers used, including a cork life jacket, then picked up some tips about how to stay safe in the water. Before heading back to the college the students tucked into a lifeboat-themed cake specially made for them by the college catering team.
Every day, RNLI volunteers risk their lives to answer calls for help. As a charity, they rely entirely on donations to provide the specialist kit and world-class training needed to save lives at sea.
Coleg Llandrillo Sport & Public Services Programme Area Manager, Amy Thomson said: "These challenges represent the strength, endurance, and teamwork needed by RNLI crews every time they are called into action. We are incredibly proud of our students for stepping up to ensure the volunteers can return home safely. Every penny that they have raised will go towards keeping lifeboats operational and crews ready to respond when the pager goes off.”
To give a donation, visit the students’ Just Giving page: Donate Here: Coleg Llandrillo Mayday '26
A big thank you to everyone who cheered us on, walked with us, or donated.
If you are thinking of a career in sports or public services, there’s still time to start your story with us in September 2026. Visit our website to find out more about the range of courses on offer: https://www.gllm.ac.uk/course-type/full-time-further-education