Exmouth RNLI has been confirmed as the next RNLI lifeboat station to be part of the charity’s Launch a Memory campaign, which will see in the region of 10,000 loved ones’ names added to the Shannon-class lifeboat.
Through the RNLI Launch a Memory campaign, members of the public are invited to commemorate loved ones by making a suggested donation of £50 and submitting that person’s name online. The names will appear in the ‘decals’ – the lettering and numbering on the side of the lifeboat. 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.
The Shannon-class lifeboat for the latest Launch a Memory campaign is the R and J Welburn, 13-03, and has been on service at Exmouth for the last 10 years. The lifeboat was funded by a generous legacy from Mrs Joan Welburn from Sidmouth and is named in memory of her late husband Raymond. Since 2014, the R and J Welburn Shannon class lifeboat has launched 168 times, aided 128 people and saved 11 lives*.
Ian Taylor, volunteer lifeboat operations manager, from Exmouth RNLI, said: “We’re very excited to be the first lifeboat station in the south west to have a Launch a Memory lifeboat. Our Shannon-class lifeboat has kept people safe in the waters off Exmouth for the past decade, and knowing that in the future, she will carry the names of thousands of people’s loved ones, makes it even more special. It’s a wonderful way for people to remember their loved ones, helping their memory to live on and supporting the RNLI’s lifesaving work at the same time.”
This will be the seventh RNLI Launch a Memory boat, and the first in the south west.
Faye Stammers, Marketing Manager at the RNLI, added: “We’re delighted to be able to invite members of the public to submit names for this special Launch a Memory lifeboat, the first existing lifeboat at a dedicated station, and which has already gone to the aid of hundreds of people in Devon. 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 expecting our Launch a Memory campaign to be incredibly popular, with so many people wanting to remember a loved one in this unique and special way.”
Anyone wishing to donate to the Exmouth Launch a Memory lifeboat and add the name of a loved one should visit rnli.org/launchexmouth
Those who donate to the campaign are politely asked not to contact the station directly for updates. They will receive regular email updates about the lifeboat station, crew launches, retail range, name search finder tool, and there will be the option to share stories and pictures on a special online dedication page.
*Figures from RNLI Operational Statistics as of 22 March 24.
