Pett Level Independent Rescue Boat's SOS Rescue

Pett Level Independent Rescue Boat, based in Sussex, UK, is among many self-funded charities who are reeling from the considerable impact of Covid-19 on their ability to fundraise.

But a chance conversation between one of the charity’s volunteers and a local business colleague means that instead of responding to an SOS, Pett Level Independent Rescue Boat (PLIRB) will be on the receiving end of a rescue bid, as Sean O’Sullivan of SOS Entertainment Party, puts his best foot forward to help.

Sean’s original plan was to raise funds for the PLIRB by cycling the 55 mile London to Brighton Bike Ride. However, this plan fell through when Sean received notification from the organisers that 2020’s cycle challenge has been postponed to 2021.

Undeterred, Sean has instead organised his own 54 mile route which he will cycle on Saturday 26th September, still hoping to raise funds for the PLIRB as he goes. Sean will now set off from Rye Harbour, cycle through into Kent and return along the coast, finishing at the PLIRB boathouse.

“I work with two people who volunteer with Pett Level Independent Rescue Boat, so I know the struggle the charity has with being self-funded at such a difficult time. Because they work alongside the RNLI in some incidents, people think they’re getting the same sort of money from the government. But the truth of it is they have to raise all their own funds, including their running costs.

Family members persuaded me to sign up for the London to Brighton bike ride so I thought, if I’m going to do it, why don’t I raise money for the rescue boat at the same time? The ride is now cancelled for this year, but charities still need help, so I’m sticking with my plan, just changing the route and the date!”

Sean’s hoping to do the route in around 5 hours, but of course this depends on his current training and issues such as weather, traffic or even local lockdown restriction on the day.

PLIRB volunteers plan to open the boathouse to greet Sean (in a socially-compliant way) at the end of his gruelling cycle ride. It’s when he finally arrives that he’ll find out exactly how much his fundraising has been able to contribute towards the charity’s running costs for another year.

John Crowther, colleague of Sean’s and volunteer at PLIRB said:

“Sean’s really recognised the issues faced by our charity at the moment, and it’s amazing that he’s prepared to go to such lengths - 54 miles, in fact - to help out.

It’s even more phenomenal that, despite the main event being cancelled, Sean’s prepared to go it alone, not only to meet the challenge he’s set himself, but also to help us meet the financial challenges of this very difficult time. We’re looking forward to sharing news about Sean’s training progress and his pedal power on the day, and wish him well!”

The current total donated means Sean’s already raising £5 for every mile he completes of his 54 mile route. But, to add extra FUN - and maybe FUNDs - to the fundraising challenge, a goal of £10 per mile has been set in the hope of raising a clear £500+ for the charity.

If anyone would like to support Sean’s amazing effort, a dedicated #SOSpedalforplirb donation page has been set up. All donations are extremely welcome!

If you would like to know more about the work of Pett Level Independent Rescue Boat, please visit plirb.com. 

If you would like to know more about Sean O’Sullivan and SOS Entertainment, please visit sosentertainment.party.