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Hunstanton RNLI crew bid farewell to treasurer Bob McDonald

Lifeboats News Release

A lifeboat treasurer paid tribute to the crew he served on his final day at their busy station on Sunday, 3 November.

RNLI/Chris Bishop

Jeff Lenton (front,left) presents Bob McDonald with his leaving gift from the crew at Hunstanton RNLI
Bob McDonald became took over the financial helm at Hunstanton RNLI five years ago.

He is leaving the station because he is relocating from Norfolk to Cheshire.

Crew assembled after their weekly Sunday training session for a farewell presentation.

Launch Authority Jeff Lenton - who joined the RNLI on the same day as Bob back in 2019 - gave him a card signed by the crew, along with a Hunstanton Lifeboat Crew polo shirt.

Retired marine engineer Bob, 75, said afterwards: 'I joined up because I just wanted to give something back.

'The crew here are fantastic people to work with in a challenging environment.

'Their commitment to what they do is outstanding and they deserve all the help they can get.

'I've seen them go out in really horrendous weather, quite happy to go out there and save somebody's life.

'It's been a privilege being here and I shall really miss everybody.'

As well as his acerbic wit, Bob was also known to swing a golf club from time to time for the station's team.

Jeff said: 'He's an amazing character, he's someone with good scruples and very professional standards.'

Editor's notes

Hunstanton is one of the busiest stations in East Anglia.

Its volunteers operate both the inshore lifeboat Spirit of West Norfolk and search and rescue hovercraft Hunstanton Flyer.

Like more than 200 RNLI stations around the coast of the UK and Ireland, the crew's lifesaving work could not be possible without volunteers who carry out administrative jobs such as the key role of treasurer.

David Jones, who previously held the post, has returned as interim treasurer until a permanent replacement can be found for Bob.

RNLI media contacts

For more information call Chris Bishop, Hunstanton RNLI volunteer Deputy Lifeboat Press Officer on 07584 147219, Clare Hopps, RNLI Regional Communications Manager, North and East on 07824 518641, or the RNLI Press Office on 01202 336789.

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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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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