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Four generations of RNLI volunteers celebrated this Father's Day at Tobermory

Lifeboats News Release

Bobby Gunn who is 19, is the fourth generation in his family to volunteer his time to help the RNLI, following in the footsteps of his father, uncles, grandfather, and great grandfather.

Paul and Bobby in front of RNLI Tobermory Lifeboat Station Severn class all-weather lifeboat, Elizabeth Fairlie Ramsey

RNLI

Paul and Bobby in front of RNLI Tobermory Lifeboat Station Severn class all-weather lifeboat, Elizabeth Fairlie Ramsey

The Macleod family involvement with the Tobermory RNLI Lifeboat Station, can be dated back to the 1940s where Bobby’s great-grandfather, Bobby Macleod volunteered, he also played a key role in the re-opening of Tobermory lifeboat in 1990.

Paul ‘Gunny’ Gunn, Bobby’s father, began volunteering in 2010 and now works as a full-time Mechanic, responsible for repairing the Severn class all-weather lifeboat, Elizabeth Fairlie Ramsey.

Paul began volunteering when he saw his brother-in-law's giving their time. He wanted to do the same and give back to his community.

Bobby is named after his great-grandfather and grew up exposed to the lifesaving work that the RNLI do at a young age. The pager going off at home was normal for Bobby growing up, once even during a driving lesson between the father and son!

The most memorable shout for Paul, was when he was walking Bobby home from school and the pager went off. Bobby was only six at the time and said: ‘run Dad, run!’

Paul is proud to work with Bobby and praised his son for his excellent work during shouts.

Bobby enjoys volunteering with his father and can see himself continuing to volunteer with the RNLI charity well into the future.

He said: ‘My favourite part is the team spirit and community, it’s a good thing to get into.’

Both Paul and Bobby are on call this Father’s Day, but they still plan on spending the day together with Bobby making his father breakfast and sharing a Sunday dinner.

RNLI lifesavers like Bobby and Paul provide a rescue service that is powered by the generosity of the public. If you would like to us help save lives at sea, please visit https://rnli.org/support-us/give-money/donate?utm_source=pressrelease&utm_medium=vanity&utm_campaign=nocampaign&utm_content=godonate_nationalmedia


Note to editors

The first attached photo shows Paul and Bobby in front of RNLI Tobermory Lifeboat Station Severn class all-weather lifeboat, Elizabeth Fairlie Ramsey.

The second attached photo is of young Bobby outside of RNLI Tobermory Lifeboat Station under his great-grandfather’s plaque.

RNLI Media Contacts

For further information, please contact:

RNLI Media Contacts

Jaye Mackay, RNLI Media Engagement Placement for Scotland, 07929 673286, [email protected]

Natasha Bennett, RNLI Regional Media Officer for Scotland, 07826 900639, [email protected]

Martin Macnamara, RNLI Regional Media Manager for Scotland, 07920 365929, [email protected]


RNLI Press Office, 01202 336789 or email [email protected]

Young Bobby outside of RNLI Tobermory Lifeboat Station under his great-grandfather’s plaque.

RNLI

Young Bobby outside of RNLI Tobermory Lifeboat Station under his great-grandfather’s plaque.

Key facts about the RNLI

The RNLI charity saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland coasts. The RNLI operates 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and more than 240 lifeguard units on beaches around the UK and Channel Islands. The RNLI is independent of Coastguard and government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824, its lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved over 146,000 lives.

Learn more about the RNLI

For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. News releases, videos and photos are available on the News Centre.

Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries

Members of the public may contact the RNLI on 0300 300 9990 (UK) or 1800 991802 (Ireland) or by email.