RNLI Portishead say a fond farewell to our dear Peggy Gittings

Alongside her late husband, John, Peggy played a hugely important part in the history of our lifeboat service. For more than 20 years, they both gave so much of their time, energy and support, helping to raise much needed funds for the charity so that the lifesaving service can continue here in the Bristol Channel.

Peggy was a devoted supporter of the lifeboat, right back to the days of the Portishead Lifeboat Trust. Following our adoption into the RNLI in 2015, she continued her support by volunteering in our little lifesaving shop and helping with fundraising events over many years.

Peggy also holds a special place in our station's history, having officially opened our RNLI lifeboat station in June 2015 following the adoption. A commemorative plaque bearing her name can still be found to the left of the station entrance, a lasting reminder of the important part she played in our journey.

Neil Sutor, Lifeboat Operations Manager at RNLI Portishead, said:

‘Pegs was fun, loyal, loving and a wonderful force of nature. We were so very blessed to have her as part of our lifeboat family for so many years. She gave so much, and her warmth, friendship and contribution will never be forgotten. She will be sorely missed by us all. Our deepest condolences go to Peggy's family and all those who loved her.’

If you would like to attend Peggy’s funeral, it will be taking place on Friday 4^th December, if you would like to attend please contact us (RNLI Portishead) so that numbers can be monitored, thank you. Email: [email protected] or message us on our Facebook page, thank you.

Pegs wishes are for everyone to wear something with colour.

Notes to editors – Images © stated below

· A photo of Peggy Gittings at the Lifeboat Station in Portishead ©NathanWilliamsRNLI

· A photo of Peggy with Emily officially opening the RNLI ©NicolasLeach

· Peggy relaxing ©FraserHall

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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.

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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.

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