100-year-old woman completes kayak challenge for Salcombe RNLI

Elaine Grey, who will celebrate her 101st birthday next month, has completed her challenge to kayak from Whitestrand to the old lifeboat station at South Sands. 

Elaine Grey completed her fundraising challenge on Saturday, 2 September, followed by a flotilla of supporters, including the inshore lifeboat, and her grandson and Salcombe RNLI crewmember Jeff Gillard. 

Elaine is welcomed back to shore - credit RNLI Salcombe

Elaine landed to "three cheers and an oar salute from the Salcombe gig" according to her daughter, Cathy Gillard, who called the event "an excellent day". 

Nigel Blazeby, Operations Manager of Salcombe RNLI, said: "This was an incredible event’ completed by an amazing lady, and supported afloat and ashore by a great team."

The flotilla supporting Elaine on her challenge - credit RNLI Salcombe

Cathy wrote on Elaine's fundraising page: "The Salcombe Lifeboat is very special to our family. Too many people are still finding themselves in trouble on and in the sea. More than ever we need the RNLI’s help. 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. And the RNLI safety teams and educators working tirelessly to stop people getting into trouble in the first place.

"Thank you."
   
If you would like to support Elaine please visit her Just Giving page, www.justgiving.com/fundraising/cathy-gillard2