Honiton: local woman is walking the length of every Devon beach to raise money for charity

Elsie Stanbury is hoping to walk the length of every beach in Devon in aid of the RNLI (Royal National Lifeboat Institution), after the charity saved her son's life in 2009.

Before moving to Honiton in 1977, Elsie lived in Germany because her father was in the army. She moved to the town forty-five years ago to be with her mother's family.

In October 2021 Elsie completed a challenge to walk a marathon in a month in aid of Hospiscare. She walked twenty-six miles and raised £70. Elsie enjoyed the challenge so much she has set herself a bigger challenge this time around.

Elise told Nub News: "I realised I haven't visited even half of Devon, let alone the beaches in my forty-five years of living here. So, I decided to combine visiting the beaches with a sponsored walk."

Elsie is completing her sponsored walk to raise money for the RNLI.

In January 2009 the charity saved her son's life. During an intense winter storm, their crew found Sam sheltering below cliffs between Sidmouth and Seaton.

He was hypothermic and had a broken ankle.

He was ten years old.

Elsie said: "I chose the RNLI because they saved my son's life and I have always wanted to repay them.

"I fully support the work of the RNLI because they are true life savers. They helped rescue my son and saved my family from going through the trauma of losing him forever."

Some of the beaches Elise will be visiting include Seaton, Beer, Branscombe, Teignmouth, Dawlish, and all the small ones in between. She will also visit the north coast too, including Bideford and Westward Ho!

"This is going to be a massive challenge for me, both personally and physically. This is made even harder with having to rely on public transport."

Elsie will be competing the challenge in March 2022.

She is looking for help with transport. If you would like to help, please email her on [email protected]

If you would like to make a donation to Elsie's cause, you can do so here