A YOUNGSTER who dreams of being part of the RNLI’s lifesaving crew has raised thousands of pounds for a new lifeboat.

Ruby Riley, 11, set out to ride four miles each day of April on her bike and hoped to get £100 in sponsorship for the Looe lifeboat appeal.

At the end of an incredible month of early morning cycle rides on the lanes near her home, Ruby has brought in £2,280 and counting towards the new D-Class inshore vessel, the Ollie Naismith II.

During her last four miles she was accompanied by members of the local Looe crew and welcomed to the boathouse by RNLI team.

Ruby, who is in Year 6 at Pelynt Primary Academy, is a big fan of the BBC Two documentary Saving Lives at Sea.

“I love watching the programme and it has made me realise how brave the lifeboat crew are, in how they go out in any conditions and put their own lives at risk to save others,” she said.

“It’s inspired me, especially as they’re all volunteers.”

Ruby says she wants to become a beach lifeguard when she’s older and then eventually part of an RNLI Lifeboat crew.

The daily bike rides were something she came up with herself, said dad Lea Riley.

“Four miles for her is more than achievable but to do it every day without fail and whatever weather, is something really to be proud of,” he said.

“She doesn’t make much of it and is a bit shy about the fuss but I think one day she’ll look back and be very proud.”

Ruby did most of the rides with her dad, who’s a PE teacher at Looe Community Academy, her mum Gemma, who runs her own business, FIIT Club, and her younger brother Harrison, eight.

She also had support from her auntie, uncle and cousin and some of her friends.

“The RNLI have been wonderful in their support of Ruby, supporting her along the way with good luck messages and a card and a t-shirt to wear,” said Lea.

“They joined her on her final ride and escorted her into Looe to finish at the Lifeboat Station, it was a truly amazing finish to a wonderful effort.”

Ruby’s early morning and evening pedals in the country lanes near her home in Lanreath have also brought her some amazing nature experiences.

“I’ve seen some really cool wildlife especially in the mornings, like big birds of prey,” she said.

“I saw the pink moon rising one evening. One day I stopped to watch a cow give birth in a field. The farmer took us in to see it happen. It was so amazing to see a calf which had just been born.”

Ann Watson, Looe RNLI Management Committee Chair, said: ‘Speaking on behalf of all the volunteers at Looe RNLI, fundraisers and crew alike, we couldn’t be more grateful to Ruby for her fundraising efforts towards our D class lifeboat appeal. 

“While many of our traditional methods of fundraising are still on hold until restrictions allow, we have been amazed by the incredible efforts our supporters have gone to create their own challenges and virtual fundraisers. We need to raise £78,000 to fund the new D class lifeboat, which is a staggering amount but we are extremely lucky to have such a supportive community both here in Looe and further afield who are right behind us.

“Ruby is an inspirational young lady who has really shown what can be achieved if you put your mind to it. Her modest fundraising target has been blown out of the water as supporters, amazed by her motivation, have given generously. And so they should, 120 miles in a month is no mean feat and Ruby deserves all the recognition and huge congratulations.

“Thanks also to Lea and Gemma, Ruby’s parents. They must be extremely proud of Ruby. Thank you for allowing her this challenge and supporting our appeal.”

To support Ruby’s efforts for the Looe Lifeboat Appeal visit https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Ruby-Riley3