THOUSANDS of names are set to be added to a Swanage lifeboat as part of a campaign to help commemorate those that have died or celebrate loved ones still living.
Swanage Lifeboat Station is the latest to sign up to the Royal National Lifeboat Institution’s (RNLI) popular Launch a Memory campaign.
This presents an opportunity for people to have their loved ones join the crew as they carry out life-saving missions in Swanage.
Up to 15,000 names can be added to the Shannon-class lifeboat’s decals – the lettering and numbering on the lifeboat.
All that is required is a suggested donation of £75 and the name of the person.
Swanage RNLI’s Shannon-class lifeboat is the George Thomas Lacy and has been in service at Swanage since 2016.
Originally funded by a generous legacy from George Lacy, the lifeboat has launched 337 times, aided 435 people and saved 18 lives since coming on service at the station.
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The new campaign comes during a very special year for the Swanage lifeboat community, as the station marks 150 years of lifesaving.
Dave Turnbull, volunteer coxswain at Swanage RNLI, said he is honoured that Swanage has been chosen as the home of the RNLI’s latest Launch a Memory lifeboat.
“Our Shannon-class lifeboat has kept people safe in the waters off Swanage for almost a decade now, and knowing that in the future, she will carry the names of thousands of people’s loved ones makes it even more special,” he said.
“To become a Launch a Memory lifeboat station in our 150th year is just phenomenal, the real icing on the cake to what is already a very significant year for us.
“It’s a wonderful way for people to remember and celebrate their loved ones and support the RNLI’s lifesaving work at the same time.”
This will be the eighth RNLI Launch a Memory lifeboat and the first in Dorset.
Faye Stammers, marketing manager at the RNLI, said: “We’re delighted to be able to invite members of the public to submit names for this special Launch a Memory lifeboat.
“We hope that it will be a fitting tribute to their loved one and bring comfort knowing that their name is alongside our crews when they receive a call for help.
“Everyone who supports the campaign will receive email updates about the lifeboat, keeping them informed of all major developments.
“We’re hoping our newest Launch a Memory campaign will be incredibly popular, as others have been, with so many people wanting to honour a loved one in this unique and special way.”
Anyone wishing to donate to the Swanage Launch a Memory lifeboat and add the name of a loved one should visit rnli.org/launchamemory.
Those who donate a name to the campaign will also receive a commemorative digital certificate, as well as email updates about the vital work the lifeboat performs.
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