A MEMBER of the town's lifeboat crew raised more than £700 for the RNLI and the Penarth station's new boat appeal by completing the world's biggest half marathon.

Alex Kalebic, who lives in Penarth,f finished the Great North Run through Newcastle on Sunday, September 11 in 1 hour 50 minutes and 18 seconds

He was aiming to beat the 1 hour 50 minute mark but has so far raised around £735 for the appeal and the RNLI.

Penarth Lifeboat Station is looking to raise £52,000 to fund a new D Class boat to replace the current Connie Daines vessel by early 2018.

It has been on service since 2008 and in this time has launched on over 225 service calls, rescued over 300 persons in distress and is credited with saving at least seven lives.

Speaking about the run, Mr Kalebic said: "I think I got a little distracted at the start when the Red Arrows flew over the Tyne Bridge and it was a hot morning.

"Somehow I managed to get sunburn."

He also mentioned the fantastic atmosphere with The RNLI team along the route cheering and supporting the runners.

He added: "They made loads of noise to keep you motivated and running."

"Being a volunteer crewman at RNLI Penarth Lifeboat station means that I am fully aware of how vital public support is to the running of this vital charity which exists to save lives at sea.

"I did run to raise funds to contribute towards the RNLI and the cost of a new lifeboat for our station.

I am grateful for any donation, no matter how small, which assists us to reaching our goal.

You can still be donate by visiting www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Alexander-Kalebic.