World Tai Chi raises money for Hunstanton life-saving RNLI

Tai Chi practitioners celebrated their ancient martial art’s world day with a special session for the charity that saves lives at sea.

Allan Howlings and Maggi Marciniak were joined by more than 20 to perform moves on The Green at Hunstanton last Saturday. They ran through routines designed to boost physical and mental well-being including White Ape Gathers Fruit and The Phoenix.

Proceeds from the World Tai Chi Day session will be donated to the RNLI, along with money raised at a sound bath session the following day at Old Hunstanton.

“We’re passionate about Tai Chi and we’re passionate about the RNLI, so if we can help them out along the way, it’s great. I used to be a Royal Life Saving Society teacher, so I know all about the dangers of water,” said Allan.

The couple have been donating to the charity and other good causes for more than five years, with more than £1,000 raised to help the work of the RNLI.

Pete Griffiths and Jeff Wooldridge, from Hunstanton RNLI’s visits and education team, were among those taking part in the session.

Before it got under way, Pete said: “I’d like to thank you for everything you do for the RNLI and for the wellbeing and health of the people of Hunstanton.”

Allan admitted to one slight misgiving beforehand.

“I tore a tendon in my shoulder when I was washing the car. I had to go to hospital and have it put back on. But nothing else matters when you get into Tai Chi, so it’s really good for pain relief - it’s better than any pill.”