Service of dedication for new inshore Rhyl RNLI lifeboat

Volunteers, supporters and the Rhyl community came together to name the station’s new lifeboat, funded by the legacy of Diana Jane Pearce. The lifeboat was named after Mrs Pearce’s late husband, Geoff Pearce, and is the third boat within the RNLI to be funded by the legacy of the Pearce Family.

The first lifeboat to be named after members of the family was in 1990, when Llandudno RNLI’s all-weather lifeboat was named Andy Pearce in memory of Diana’s youngest son. The second lifeboat to be named after the Pearce family was in Holyhead in 2003, where an all-weather lifeboat was named Christopher Pearce after Diana’s eldest son. More recently Diana donated funds towards the new boathouse at Llandudno, which was officially opened in 2017.

Lady Wills, Goddaughter of Diana and Geoff Pearce official named the lifeboat and handed the D-class into the care of the RNLI.

The ceremony was opened by Lee Firman, RNLI Area Operation Manager. Michael Vlasto OBE, RNLI Life Governor, accepted the lifeboat on behalf of the RNLI, and handed her into the care of Rhyl Lifeboat Station.

Mark Budd, Rhyl Lifeboat Operations Manager, accepted the lifeboat on behalf of Rhyl Lifeboat Station. The service of dedication was led by Canon John Glover DL before Catherine Tudor Jones, Community Manager, brought proceedings to a close.

Lee Firman, RNLI Area Operations Manager said:

‘It was fantastic to see so many people come together to mark what was a very important milestone in Rhyl RNLI’s history. The D-class is an exceptionally busy lifeboat at this station and I’m certain this new lifeboat will save many more lives off the Denbighshire coast. This wouldn’t have been possible without the generosity of the donor, the family of whom I know were thrilled to meet the crew and find out more about the capabilities of this new D-class lifeboat. We are incredibly grateful for all the support we receive, and the service gave us an opportunity to show our gratitude.'

The closure of proceedings was tinged with pride and sadness as the station remembered much-loved volunteer Jean Frost, MBE, President of Rhyl RNLI fundraisers who passed away in May. Mrs Frost’s son Paul was invited to the stage to receive a special award recognising Mrs Frost’s commitment to saving lives at sea for more than 50 years.

As the ceremony closed, Rhyl’s new D-class lifeboat launched and showed off his capabilities to guests.

RNLI Media Contacts

For further information, please contact:

Danielle Rush, RNLI Communications Lead on 07786 668829 [email protected]

RNLI Press Office, 01202 336789, [email protected]

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.

Learn more about the RNLI

For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, TikTok 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.