The passing of RNLI volunteer Pauline Weatherburn

Pauline was a valued member of our lifeboat family for 26 years, generously giving her time, dedication and unwavering support to the Portishead Lifeboat Trust and most recently of course the RNLI. Her commitment touched so many lives and her presence became an important part of our station community.

Alongside her husband Derek, Pauline helped welcome countless visitors during the group visits they hosted at the lifeboat station over many years. Together, Pauline and Derek made a wonderful team, dedicating so much of their time to supporting the station, fundraising efforts and helping our community feel part of the lifeboat family.

More recently, Pauline became a familiar face in our little lifesaving shop, where she enjoyed meeting and talking with visitors and supporters alike.

Pauline’s generosity, character, and dedication made a lasting impact on all who knew her. Her loss will be felt deeply across the lifeboat station and beyond.

Pauline's funeral will be held at Canford Crematorium (Bristol) on the 26^th May at 1.30pm, this will be followed by a celebration of Pauline's life at the Poacher Inn (Portishead) from 2.30pm. All who knew Pauline will be welcome.

Our thoughts, love, and deepest sympathies are with Derek, their family and friends during this incredibly difficult time.

Pauline will be greatly missed, fondly remembered, and forever remain part of our lifeboat family.

Notes to editors – all images are ©RNLIPortishead

· Pauline at the RNLI lifeboat station shop

· Pauline and Derek on the beach at Sugar Loaf, during the Portishead Lifeboat Trust Years

· Derek receiving his 20 year award for volunteering, Pauline at his side

· Pauline front right with Derek (left front) and crew volunteers Ian, Jon and Jake

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 over 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and, in a normal year, 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 143,080 lives.

RNLI Media Contacts

For further information, please contact:

Helen Lazenby, Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer for RNLI South West, [email protected]

Emma Haines, RNLI Regional Communications Manager for South West England, 07786 668847, [email protected]

Amy Caldwell, RNLI Regional Communications Lead for South West England, 07920 818807, [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.