Family of the late Chris Dobson unveil new training mannequin at Porthdinllaen.

A new training mannequin has been purchased by Porthdinllaen RNLI crew, after donations were received in memory of the late Chris Dobson from Nefyn. Chris`s family, (his wife Brenda and children Tomos and Beca) visited Porthdinllaen RNLI station recently to hand over the mannequin to volunteer lifeboat crew. The purchase of the mannequin which has been named ‘Cook’ by Tomos and Beca, was made possible after funds were raised through several fundraising evenings by his family to benefit local charities.

Chris, who was 43, passed away after a brave battle with cancer, came as a shock to the local community where he was well known and liked. The new training mannequin will enable the lifeboat crew to practice man overboard and recovery procedures as it replicates the weight and movement of and unconscious patient in the water. They will also be able to deploy the mannequin while on exercise to gain more of an insight into the effect of wind and drift from the tidal stream on a person in the water and practice man overboard and recovery procedures.

Brenda Dobson added ‘Chris was dedicated to his family, as a husband, father son and brother, he also had a special love for the sea and local beach. Losing Chris was a huge blow for us and as family we treasure our memories of the happy times we spent at the beach. We are glad to be able to assist a worthy cause as the RNLI in Chris`s memory’.

Dylan Thomas, on behalf of Porthdinllaen Lifeboat Station added: ‘Chris was a local lad and was known personally to the crew. He had for a number of years assisted Michael Jones from Nefyn as a crew member on board the fishing boat ‘Integrity’. Chris with his infectious smile, would manage to bring a smile to your face on any dull day. Sadly he lost his battle with cancer in March 2017 but will always be remembered. We are ever so grateful to Brenda and Chris`s family for the donation which has made it possible to purchase such a valuable training equipment’

RNLI media contact

For more information please contact Dylan Thomas, Porthdinllaen Lifeboat Press Officer on 07747 600019. Alternatively contact Eleri Roberts, RNLI Media Relations Officer on 01745 585162 / 07771 941390.

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