A Weymouth volunteer is leading the way with a campaign to raise vital funds to save lives.

Usually, when the lifesavers of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) answer mayday calls – it’s the most serious call for help.

But this May the charity is calling on the people of Weymouth to join the RNLI’s Mayday Mile campaign to help raise vital funds.

Participants complete one mile each day however they like - walk, jog, hop or skip.

Teresa Drage, the Weymouth lifeboat fundraising chair, will be leading the way in the fundraiser. In the past, she has almost made the 100 miles, and this year she is looking to hit that target.

She said: ‘By signing up to our Mayday Mile campaign you will be supporting our volunteer crews. Previously I have achieved 93 miles, so I'm going to see if I can make it an even 100 miles this year.

"Look out for me around Weymouth say hi and join me if you wish!"

Money raised through the Mayday Mile could help RNLI lifesavers have everything they need to keep families safe this summer.

Teresa said: "It's such a great time of year to get out and about so why not walk a mile a day in May, enjoy the weather, our beautiful town or the local countryside. Every mile logged will benefit our volunteers, and be healthy in the process."

Last year Weymouth RNLI lifeboats were launched 77 times by the volunteer crew, assisting people in distress and saving 8 lives. Warmer weather draws more people to the water, and RNLI volunteer lifeboat crews will drop whatever they’re doing when a call for help comes in.

"Mayday is our own call for help, as we rely on the generosity of the public to take part in events like the Mayday Mile and raise the funds that allow us to be there when we’re needed most," added Teresa.

"But we need to be ready. Training, kit, stations, fuel... These are just some of the things we need to save lives, and that your fundraising can help provide."

The RNLI’s Mayday national fundraiser begins on Mondaym, May 1 and will run for the whole month across the UK and Ireland.

Sign up for the Mayday Mile now and find out more at rnli.org/SupportMayda