RNLI memorial
Remembering past sacrifice to inspire future generations
Many brave and selfless RNLI volunteers are remembered proudly in their local communities. However, we have no one memorial that celebrates and names the 600-plus crew members who have died while going to the aid of others.
We are planning such a tribute at RNLI Headquarters in Poole, Dorset, opposite The Lifeboat College, the 'home of the RNLI'. An area of land has been put aside for a sculpture. RNLI volunteers, staff and members of the public will be able to contemplate the extraordinary self sacrifice of the many people involved with the charity since its foundation in 1824.
Download list of names to be included on the memorial.
The design
After stiff competition, a design by sculptor Sam Holland was chosen. The final stainless steel structure comprises of a 2.5m figure, vulnerable to the elements in a small boat, yet taking the hand of a drowning other: a memorial and a celebration. Read more here.
The project is being managed by the RNLI Heritage Trust. The Trust can fundraise for projects like this, unlike the RNLI, which can only fundraise to save lives at sea.
Can you help?
The sculpture will cost £150,000 - clearly a large sum to find, we also need to landscape the area and provide good access for all our visitors. We hope that volunteers and staff, both current and retired, with supporters throughout the UK and Republic of Ireland, will be able to raise the money and allow this worthwhile project to go ahead.
Chief Executive Andrew Freemantle's sponsored cycle ride from Poole to Rome raised over £80,000, and we are continuing to ask for your support to enable all the groundworks, the lighting, the signage and the access to ensure that the sculpture becomes an intregal part of Headquarters at Poole. If you would like to help raise this tribute, please click here to donate.
