Frequently asked questions

These FAQs are in addition and subject to the Launch a Memory 2022 T&Cs. If any contradiction exists between the contents of these FAQs and the contents of the Launch a Memory 2022 T&Cs, then the contents of the T&Cs shall take priority.

Adding my loved one's name

Will I be able to change the name submitted if I have made an error?

Supporters are responsible for checking the name before submitting it to ensure that it is spelt correctly, contains the correct details, and is submitted as they wish the name to appear on the decal of the lifeboat. In the event of a name being submitted incorrectly please contact us as soon as possible at [email protected] and we will endeavour to help resolve it.

Can I add more than one name to the lifeboat?

You are welcome to add more than one name to the lifeboat, however due to the way the system is set up you will need to do more than one transaction. For example, if you wanted to add two names you would need to go through the transaction process twice. We are unable to accept joint names e.g. ‘The Smiths’, ‘John and Joan Smith’.

If I submit more than one name, will they appear next to each other in the decal?

Unfortunately, we cannot guarantee that they will be next to each other. In general the names will be arranged in the order they were submitted by supporters. However, the names will be arranged in a way that best fits within the shape of the decal.

Can I add the name of someone who is still alive?

Absolutely.  Although Launch a Memory is aimed at those with a loved one who is no longer with us, we have lots of supporters who add the name of someone who is still with us. We have had supporters add someone's name for a birthday present, anniversary and even a wedding gift!

How will my loved one's name appear on the boat?

Your loved one’s name will appear alongside thousands of other dearly missed loved ones inside a decal making up the letters and numbers on the lifeboat.

What can't I include in my submission?

Unfortunately, we are unable to take submissions that have additional information such as numbers and locations. For example, we could not accept ‘Charlie Jones Plymouth 1952’. We are also not able to take joint names, for example ‘John and Joan Smith’.

When will I receive my certificate and confirmation email?

You will only receive a certificate if you provided us with your email address when submitting your loved one's name. We aim to send out all certificates within 8 weeks of the submission. We send these certificates out by email, as a PDF attachment. These often end up in spam/junk folders. If you still have not received your certificate after 8 weeks, please contact us using the details below.

If you haven’t received a confirmation email within 24 hours and have checked your junk/spam please contact us by emailing [email protected] or phone our Supporter Experience team on 0300 300 0061 (UK) / 01 511 9871 (Ireland) / (+)44 1202 336395 (outside of UK and Ireland). 

I did not receive my confirmation email/certificate, what do I do?

If you haven’t received a confirmation email within 24 hours and have checked your junk/spam please contact us by emailing [email protected] or phone our Supporter Experience team on 0300 300 0061 (UK) / 01 511 9871 (Ireland) / (+)44 1202 336395 (outside of UK and Ireland) Monday-Friday 08:00-18:00.

We aim to send out all Launch a Memory certificates within 8 weeks of the submission. We send these certificates out by email, as a PDF attachment. We often find that our emails end up in our supporter’s junk/spam folders, so it’s worth checking there if you haven’t already. If you are still missing a certificate then our apologies for this, please contact us at [email protected] and we can get this emailed out to you.

The Whitby Launch a Memory Lifeboat

How and when can I see Whitby Lifeboat?

When the lifeboat arrives at Whitby station in 2023, there is the possibility that supporters will be able to visit the lifeboat and the lifeboat station, but this is yet to be confirmed. If you have any questions about our station, or your lifeboat, please contact [email protected]. As you can imagine, our volunteer crew at Whitby have a lot to juggle alongside being on call 24 hours a day - so we’d be really grateful if you could avoid contacting the station directly.

When the boat is being built in our All-Weather Lifeboat Centre (ALC) building in Poole, it might be possible to see the lifeboat as part of the ALC tours during the later build stage, however we cannot guarantee this.

When does the lifeboat arrive in Whitby?

The lifeboat is scheduled to arrive at Whitby Lifeboat Station in 2023, but the exact date is yet to be confirmed. We will keep supporters updated with the progress of the lifeboat build through our regular update emails as well as on the Whitby updates page.

Why has the Whitby lifeboat been chosen?

The Shannon is the RNLI's latest class of all-weather lifeboat currently being built in our dedicated facility (the All-weather Lifeboat Centre in Poole, Dorset). During the build, the special decals carrying loved ones' names can be added. The crew at Whitby are due to receive their new Shannon in 2023, which fits with the timing of this latest Launch a Memory appeal. A popular destination for visitors, as well as a busy fishing port, Whitby's latest lifeboat will ensure the crew can save lives on the best possible craft for the rescues they're tasked to.

Does my donation directly fund the Whitby Launch a Memory Lifeboat?

As stated in the Terms and Conditions, any donations to the Launch a Memory campaign go into the RNLI general funds. The Whitby Launch a Memory lifeboat is kindly funded by a legacy left by a supporter.