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Whitby RNLI celebrate installation of Henry Freeman sculpture.

Lifeboats News Release

The commemorative sculpture was officially unveiled today (Saturday 30 November)

RNLI/Ceri Oakes

Crowds gather for the unveiling
Earlier this year, Whitby RNLI's station mechanic Richard Dowson came up with the idea of creating a sculpture to celebrate 200 years of the RNLI in 2024.

After seeing a trail of similar sculptures around the town created by artist Emma Stothard, Richard suggested creating one of lifeboat Henry Freeman.

Henry Freeman was the sole survivor of a lifeboat disaster in 1861, he survived as he was the only crew member wearing a new cork lifejacket, and he went on to win a medal for his bravery.

A descendent of Henry Freeman, Lesley Jackson (nee Freeman) heard about Richard's idea and generously donated the full cost of the sculpture.

Today the Whitby RNLI crew and volunteers gathered for an official unveiling. The old rowing lifeboat was brought for the event, a reminder of how much technology has advanced since the early days of lifeboating.

RNLI Head of Region George Pickford welcomed members of the public and Lesley and her family to the unveiling and told briefly of the RNLI's history of saving lives at sea.

Lesley gave a poignant speech, telling the crowd how much the sculpture means to her and her family, and said: 'It not only represents Henry Freeman's bravery but the bravery of the volunteers who continue to save lives at sea to this day.'

The sculpture was revealed to a round of applause from the crowd, and will now stand pride of place, on Khyber Pass.

Whitby RNLI station mechanic Richard Dowson said: 'It was a fantastic turn out for the event. Emma Stothard has worked tirelessly on the sculpture, perfectly capturing Henry's character, not as easy task with wire! But she has done a fantastic job.

We hope that both locals and visitors to the town will enjoy the sculpture and pop into the museum to learn more about the RNLI's history in Whitby.

Many thanks to Lesley for her kind donation which has made this project possible and also many others who have helped along the way. Special thanks to Wilf Nobles for installing the sculpture free of charge and to Neil Trillo for his generous donation of an MG Midget towards the project.'

For more information contact lifeboat press officer Ceri Oakes on 07813359428 or at [email protected]

RNLI/Ceri Oakes

Lesley Jackson and Richard Dowson reveal the sculpture

RNLI/Ceri Oakes

Whitby RNLI crew with the sculpture

RNLI/Ceri Oakes

Artist Emma Stothard with the Henry Freeman sculpture

RNLI/Ceri Oakes

Richard Dowson thanks those involved in the project

RNLI/Ceri Oakes

Lesley Jackson and Emma Stothard

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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