After months of travelling the coastlines of the UK, Ireland and beyond, Lighthouse Charity ambassador Jen Deeney has completed her incredible challenge to visit 70 lighthouses. In the process, she has raised a huge amount of awareness for the support available to construction workers and their families and has raised an incredible £26,000 for Lighthouse Charity visiting lighthouses over the past two years.
Jen completed the final leg of her journey, where it all began for the Lighthouse Charity – St Mary’s Lighthouse in Whitley Bay. It was at the base of this historic landmark, 70 years ago, that the idea of forming the charity was conceived and since then the symbolic lighthouse and the charity has continued to be a beacon of hope for the construction community.
Along the challenge, Jen visited lighthouses across Scotland, Cumbria, the North East, Wales, Merseyside, Rosses Point in Sligo, Ireland, and even further afield to Agios Nickolas Lighthouse in Mandraki Harbour, Rhodes. Each stop created an opportunity to engage with the community and discuss the charity’s vital work supporting the construction community.
Reflecting on the challenge, Jen said, “It really has been fun, although full on and I’m now an expert on where to find the best lighthouses.”
The journey created lasting memories, not only for Jen but for the family and friends who joined her along the way.
“The best bit for me is the fact that my family and friends became totally invested with me.”
There were plenty of memorable moments throughout the challenge, including a visit from friends from Arizona who joined Jen for part of the Scottish leg of the tour.
“My friends who joined on the Scottish leg were awed by not just the lighthouses but the size of our cows, but the funniest bit was when my friend Diane asked if we really did have zebras when she saw a zebra crossing!”
But beyond the miles travelled and the lighthouses visited, it was the people Jen met and the conversations she had that made the biggest impact.
“It has been the people, asking why I’m visiting lighthouses and getting the chance to explain. Letting them know that there is always someone who cares and someone that will help has been the best bit and I hope it has helped raise awareness of the support available.”
In addition to raising an incredible amount through her fundraising efforts, Jen has helped spread the message of hope that no construction worker or family member should be alone during a crisis.
We’d like to thank Jen for her dedication, enthusiasm and unwavering support. Completing 70 lighthouse visits is a remarkable achievement, but the awareness raised, conversations started, and lives that will be touched because of her efforts are an even greater legacy.ater legacy.
