THE Royal National Lifeboat Institution has launched a fundraising draw, offering one lucky individual and their guest the rare opportunity to join the volunteer crew aboard a Shannon-class lifeboat on a historic journey from Liverpool to Manchester.

This exclusive passage, set to take place on Wednesday, October 9, is part of the charity's Coast to Cobbles relay which marks the RNLI’s 200th anniversary. The draw aims to raise £20,240.

Since 1824 when the charity was founded, its volunteers have saved more than 146,000 lives.

Joining the crew at Albert Dock, Liverpool, the lucky winner will travel along the river for approximately four hours, arriving in Salford Quays in a special journey inspired by one of the most courageous acts in RNLI history, which prompted one of the kindest.

The Coast to Cobbles journey honours the legacy of the 1886 Mexico disaster, where 27 lifeboat crew tragically lost their lives, an event which went on to inspire the world’s first street collection, Lifeboat Saturday.

Faye Maher, engagement lead for the RNLI, said: "As an RNLI supporter, you could win a once-in-a-lifetime experience aboard one of our lifeboats in the charity’s 200th anniversary year.

"It's a unique chance to enjoy an exclusive behind the scenes tour of a state-of-the-art Shannon-class lifeboat and spend quality time with lifeboat crew to see and hear first hand how the RNLI saves lives at sea.

"Every prize draw entry will help us continue our vital mission for another 200 years." 

For just £5, each donation will grant an entry into the draw, with larger ticket bundles available to increase chances of winning.

The draw closes at 12midday on Friday, October 4. All entrants must be over 18. To enter, visit https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/rnli-200-prize-draw