‘A gift in your Will is my protection at sea’

Ordinary people doing extraordinary things.

Our crew members and lifeguards are ordinary people, who drop everything at a moment’s notice to answer a call for help. A gift in your Will can help keep our lifesavers safe when they head out into wild seas to rescue people in an emergency. 

One such callout was to a sailor who was left hanging on for dear life when his boat was hit by a wave, throwing him into the chilly November sea. Fortunately, he was spotted by a passer-by, who raised the alarm. 

Minutes after launching, the four-strong crew of the Mudeford lifeboat were at the man’s side. They found him clinging desperately to the outboard motor of his upturned boat. ‘He didn’t want to let go at first,’ explains crew member Simon. ‘His hands were hard and tight, and he was scared and cold. I don’t think he would have lasted much longer.’ 

The helm, Ian Parker, expertly held the lifeboat in position while his crewmates pulled the casualty to safety. ‘I had three highly trained crew behind me,’ he says. ‘Their teamwork helped save this man’s life.’ 

These courageous RNLI lifesavers are part of a lifesaving tradition of almost 200 years, which, with the support of gifts in Wills, can continue for years to come. 

Any gift, large or small, will make a difference. It’s a gift that won’t be forgotten – because if you do choose to remember the RNLI in your Will, your name will be added to the side of a lifeboat, after we are notified that we have received your gift, along with the names of others who have decided to support us in this special way. So, you will always be part of our lifesaving family.  

Who gives gifts in Wills?

Just as RNLI lifeboat crews are made up of ordinary people doing extraordinary things, so too are the people who put gifts in their Wills to charity. 

RNLI supporter Lindsay, from Dorset, explains why she decided to leave a gift in her Will to the RNLI. ‘I was born and bred on the coast, so the RNLI has always been in the background’ she says.

‘My family have strong connections with the navy, so I guess the sea and saving lives has been in my blood. As children we used to mess about in boats and as an adult I’ve owned and sailed a small sailing dinghy. You’re always aware that something awful might happen and you know that the RNLI is there if you get into difficulty.

‘I feel pretty good after making my Will because I know it’s going to do some good for somebody – it could save a life or two.’