Launch a Memory Thames is now live

We're excited to announce that Launch a Memory Thames is now live, supporting a brand-new E class lifeboat that will operate across three stations on the River Thames:

• Wandsworth Riverside (formerly Chiswick)
• Tower
• Gravesend

This exciting campaign offers supporters the opportunity to dedicate a loved one's name to a lifeboat that will help save lives on one of the UK's busiest waterways.

How is this campaign different from previous Launch a Memory campaigns?

Launch a Memory 9 marks several significant firsts for the campaign:

• Names will be applied to a new E class lifeboat, rather than a Shannon class lifeboat.
• Loved ones' names will appear on dedicated panels on the centre console and engine covers, rather than being incorporated within the lifeboat's letters and numbers.
• It is the first Launch a Memory campaign focused on a river-based lifeboat service, rather than a coastal service.
• The lifeboat will support rescue operations across three RNLI stations on the River Thames, extending its lifesaving impact across multiple locations.
• The campaign forms part of the RNLI Thames 25th Anniversary celebrations, commemorating 25 years of lifesaving service on the River Thames.
• The lifeboat is named Jules Alexander Venebales Bonnard, as part of Brian Bonnard's legacy in memory of his father's contribution to lifesaving as a firefighter in London during both the First and Second World Wars.

I'd like to add my loved one's name to the boat

Adding a loved one's name is simple. Visit the Launch a Memory webpage and make a donation.

For this campaign, we have a suggested donation of £75 per name.

Once you've made your donation:

• You'll receive a confirmation email.
• A digital certificate will be sent to you within 72 hours.
• You'll receive regular email updates throughout the campaign, keeping you informed about the lifeboat's progress and information about the station and crew that it will serve.
• If you've previously donated to a Launch a Memory campaign, you'll continue to receive updates relating to each lifeboat you've supported. You can opt out of these communications at any time.

Did you know?

Launch a Memory isn't just for remembering those we've lost. You can also add the names of loved ones who are still with us.

If you'd like to present your dedication as a gift, you can request a gifting certificate by emailing [email protected] 

If your loved one would also like to receive campaign updates, please ask them to contact the Launch a Memory team using the same email address.

How can I get involved?

We've created a range of assets to help you promote Launch a Memory as part of your day-to-day, making it easy to support the campaign and help spread the word across the organisation and externally.

• A background for video calls (JPEG - 843KB)
• An email footer (JPEG - 109KB)

We encourage all volunteers and staff to use these materials where appropriate to help raise awareness and showcase the campaign throughout its duration.

Together, we can help share the story of this unique Thames-based lifeboat and inspire even more people to leave a lasting tribute that supports RNLI lifesaving services.