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Scarborough RNLI receives £700 donation after Royal Navy veteran crosses the bar

Lifeboats News Release

Chris Arundell, a Royal Navy veteran who had served during the Falklands conflict passed away in May 2023. His family approached the station shortly after his funeral, informing them that Chris was a huge supporter of Scarborough RNLI.

Christopher Arundell's family resenting the donation cheque to Roger Buxton, Scarborough RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager and Lee Marton, Scarborough RNLI Coxswain whilst stood in front of the All weather lifeboat.

RNLI/Chris Arundell

Christopher Arundell's family presenting the donation cheque to Scarborough RNLI
On Friday 18 August 2023, the Arundell family came to visit Scarborough RNLI. As a tribute, the family requested for donations to Scarborough RNLI at his funeral and they presented a £700 cheque during their visit. Whilst at the lifeboat station, they were provided with a tour of the station by Lifeboat Operations Manager, Roger Buxton and Coxswain, Lee Marton.


Tracy Arundell shared: 'My late husband, Christopher Arundell, came to Scarborough as a boy and always visited the RNLI. When we became a family he would always take myself, daughter Kelly, and son Charles to see the lifeboats at the RNLI.

'So when he passed away on 29 May 2023 asking for donations at his funeral for RNLI Scarborough seemed the right thing to do. It didn’t matter where we went on holiday, we always had time to visit the local RNLI. They had a special place in his heart.'


Charles Arundell commented about the station visit: ‘My father was a Falklands War Veteran who had an intense love and respect for RNLI. Thank you so much for the tour, fantastic fish and chips recommendation, we thoroughly enjoyed it!’


Kelly Turner said: ‘Our father was a big supporter of Scarborough RNLI after serving in the Royal Navy. At his funeral, we asked for donations towards Scarborough RNLI.’


Roger Buxton, Lifeboat Operations Manager, Scarborough RNLI responded with: ‘We would like to give the Arundell family a heartfelt thank you. The support and generosity from them and Chris’s friends are greatly appreciated, particularly during their time of grief. Their donation will enable Scarborough RNLI to continue saving lives at sea, and Chris’s parting gift will make a real difference.

'We are incredibly humbled to be thought of at such a difficult time for the family. Their kind gesture, along with the generosity of the funeral attendees enabled the family to provide a donation of £700 to Scarborough RNLI. We would like to thank everyone who contributed and we will ensure that these funds assist in continuing our lifesaving work for the Scarborough community, in memory of a fellow seafarer.

'Fair winds and following seas as you cross the bar Chris. Thank you for supporting Scarborough RNLI.'

RNLI Picture captions

For the photographs of the visit, please credit Charles Arundell.

Notes to editors

RNLI Media contacts

For more information, please contact Laura Lyth, RNLI volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer: [email protected]

The family of Christopher Arundell on board the Scarborough All weather Lifeboat

RNLI/Charles Arundell

Christopher Arundell's family on board the Scarborough All weather Lifeboat
The Arundell family sat in the casualty care cabin on board the Scarborough RNLI All weather Lifeboat. Thay are sat with the Scarborough RNLI Coxswain Lee Marton, who is up forward of the cabin, with the red night vision light turned on.

RNLI/Charles Arundell

The Arundell family smiling during their tour of the Scarborough RNLI All weather Lifeboat
Tracy Arundell with the ashes of Christopher Arundell presenting the donation cheque to Roger Buxton, Scarborough RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager and Lee Marton, Scarborough RNLI Coxswain whilst stood in front of the Scarborough RNLI All weather Lifeboat.

RNLI/Charles Arundell

A seafarer's parting gift

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.

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