New Brighton RNLI mourn loss of dedicated volunteer
New Brighton RNLI are sad to announce that Paul Edwards, Fundraising Chair for New Brighton, has died.
Paul passed away in the early hours of Thursday 2 April 2026, with his beloved wife Debbie at his side.
Paul was the sitting Fundraising Chair at New Brighton RNLI, and former ILB Crew at New Brighton, where he served from Spring 1984 until 1990.
Paul also volunteered in his native Wales, for Penarth RNLI, between 1979 and 1983.
Paul was a huge advocate for the RNLI and was never short of a new, exciting idea to help raise the profile of, or funds for the charity that saves lives at sea.
All his fellow volunteers at New Brighton RNLI and Penarth RNLI pass on their deepest condolences to his wife and family at this difficult time. He will be sorely, sorely missed.
A funeral service for Paul is being held at St. James’ Church, 14 Albion Street, New Brighton, CH45 9LF, at 1:15pm, on Friday 15 May 2026. The family request that only family flowers are permitted, with any donations, if desired, to be given to the RNLI in honour of Paul’s legacy.
Current New Brighton RNLI volunteers will be forming a guard of honour for Paul as he enters the church. All former volunteers, friends and colleagues of New Brighton and Penarth RNLI are welcome to join the guard of honour, whether still active volunteers or not.
Lee Arnall, LOM at New Brighton RNLI, said:
‘All of us at New Brighton RNLI were devastated to hear of the unexpected passing of our dear friend, Paul. He was a wonderful character and an even better man, and his infectious cheer and commitment to saving lives at sea will be missed indeed. We pass on our thoughts and deepest condolences to his wife, Deb, his family, and his fellow volunteers and colleagues, past and present, at Penarth and New Brighton, who will be saddened at his passing. We are grateful to have the opportunity to honour his memory at the funeral, and hope to provide a fitting RNLI send off.’
Notes to Editors:
New Brighton RNLI was established in 1863 in the bustling seaside resort of New Brighton, on the northeast corner of the Wirral peninsula. They cover the River Mersey and out into the Irish Sea.
The station is home to a B-class Atlantic 85 lifeboat, one of the fastest in the RNLI fleet. The crews at New Brighton have been presented with a remarkable 48 awards for gallantry to date.
RNLI Media Contacts:
For more information, please contact:
Connor Wray
Lifeboat Press Officer/ILB Crew
New Brighton RNLI
07756553092
Emily Craven
Deputy Lifeboat Press Officer/ILB Crew
New Brighton RNLI
07986119684
Claire Fitzpatrick-Smith
Regional Communications Manager
07977728315
Danielle Rush
Regional Communications Lead
+441745538995
Or RNLI Press Office on 01202 336789
Key facts about the RNLI
The RNLI is the charity that 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 146,700 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.