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A Merchant Seaman has left an amazing legacy to his local RNLI Lifeboat Station

Lifeboats News Release

An ex-merchant seaman with a lifelong love of the sea recently passed away leaving a large sum of money to his local RNLI Lifeboat Station at Sheerness on the Isle of Sheppey.

The attached photo shows Henry’s son Paul onboard the Sheerness all-weather lifeboat handing over a cheque for the above amount to another man with a lifelong love of the sea and all things RNLI.

RNLI/Vic Booth

Paul Lawson fulfilling his father's request.

Henry George Lawson worked as a merchant seaman from a very young age and stayed at sea until he married. He then worked locally until his retirement,but throughout all these years he never lost his love of the sea.

Henry passed away earlier this year at the grand old age of 98 and left specific instructions with his family that he wanted to leave his money in the form of a legacy to his local lifeboat station, with the only proviso being that his legacy be publicised in the hope that it would encourage other people to make donations to their local RNLI Lifeboat Stations throughout the country.

In respect of Henry’s wishes his fantastic legacy of £15,735.63p will be allocated by the RNLI to the Sheerness RNLI Lifeboat Station to cover the ever-mounting running costs of the Island’s very busy lifeboat station

Legacies like Henry’s are vital to keep the RNLI’s lifesaving work going. In fact, 6 out of 10 launches are only possible thanks to gifts in Wills.

The attached photo shows Henry’s son Paul onboard the Sheerness all-weather lifeboat handing over a cheque for the above amount to another man with a lifelong love of the sea and all things RNLI.

Robin Castle MBE who retired 3 years ago after completing more than 40 years dedicated service to the RNLI now not only acts as one of our Deputy Launching Authorities but is also the station Treasurer.

Along with Paul and Robin are Nigel Budden, Sheerness Lifeboat Operations Manager and volunteer crew member Jack Smedley whose ‘day job’ also involves lots of hours spent at sea.

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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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.

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