July 3 2012.


A team consisting of crew, family and friends on the Newhaven Lifeboat are embarking on two difficult challenges to raise funds for Macmillan Cancer Support.
 
One of the Newhaven Lifeboat crew, Gavin Butcher, has recently been diagnosed with terminal cancer. Gavin has asked for all funds raised to go to Macmillan Cancer Support who are providing exceptional support for him and his family.

The first event is a sponsored cycle ride along the complete length of the South Downs Way, some 100 miles off road, from Winchester to Eastbourne. If that wasn't tough enough, they are aiming to complete it in just two days. The team will be starting the ride on Friday 13th July and hope to finish on Saturday 14th July.

The second event is a 17 mile off-road walk along a stretch of the South Downs Way from Ditchling Beacon to Firle Beacon. This will take place one week later on Saturday 21st July.

Alan Novis who is crew and the Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer said: "Gavin is not only a very close friend to us all, he has been an integral part of the crew for over five years and is also one of the boat's mechanics. We wanted to do something specific for him to show our support, but this is in addition to our normal RNLI fundraising activities. We would also like to thank Mr Cycles in Seaford for serviing our bikes for free and donating a number of spares." 

To donate to the team go to: www.justgiving.com/teams/Butchers