Welsh RNLI lifeboat to be named in memory of respected crew member
The memory of a dedicated Holyhead lifeboatman, who died in a road traffic accident in August last year, will live on at a Welsh lifeboat station.
Craig Steadman’s RNLI colleagues have launched an appeal to raise funds in his memory, which will help to buy a lifeboat bearing his name.
Craig, 28, died after the bike he was riding collided with another vehicle on the A55 near Llanfairpwll. Friends and family were left shocked and stunned by his death and are rallying around with Holyhead RNLI crew to help raise £26,000, toward the new lifeboat, which will be located at Barmouth Lifeboat Station.
Craig’s dad Ray Steadman, who is also a volunteer at Holyhead RNLI Lifeboat Station said:
‘Our crew already dedicate so much of their lives to the RNLI, to give up more of their time to fundraise in memory of Craig is absolutely exceptional. In my eyes they are already going above and beyond the call of duty in training and being ready to respond to their pagers at a moment’s notice. What they are doing for Craig really is a credit to them. This has given me and the family a nice warm glow at what has obviously been a very difficult time.’
The appeal was kick-started by Craig’s brother Richard, who presented £750 to the RNLI, which was raised from the northern border lodge 10537 (RAOB), TGV, Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.
RNLI fundraisers in the West Midlands and Black Country will share the remainder of the appeal total with Barmouth RNLI fundraisers. They have vowed to work together to help raise the remainder of the cash to purchase the £48,000 lifeboat.
Ray added:
‘To hear the lifeboat will go to Barmouth is fantastic news. I have very fond memories of camping holidays with Richard and Craig and happy days on the beach at Barmouth eating fish and chips. I am truly proud of what the crew are doing to ensure my son’s memory lives on saving lives at sea – a cause Craig was dedicated to.’
Peter Davies, Barmouth RNLI Coxswain, said: ‘Having a lifeboat bearing Craig’s name here at Barmouth RNLI will be a huge honour for everyone at the lifeboat station and we are all delighted at the news.
‘Our thoughts remain with Craig’s friends and family and everyone connected to Holyhead RNLI. They deserve massive credit for this fundraising effort which will help our volunteer crew save lives at sea for many years into the future.’
Notes to editor
Attached is a photo of Craig Steadman. Credit: Holyhead RNLI
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