RNLI 200: A story of kindness

A STORY OF K I N DN ESS

T H AT C A N ’ T CON T I N U E W I T HOU T YOU 2 0 0

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Photo: Keystone View Co.

RNLI lifesavers, Trafalgar Square, London 1932

The RNLI’s story is one of courage.

Thanks to supporters like you, it’s also a story of kindness.

It’s a story that began with an appeal to the nation.

An appeal asking for help to protect lifeboat volunteers, as they protected people from drowning. It was a radical concept at the time – the idea that like-minded people would unite in their determination to save lives at sea by sending support to people they would never meet. But it worked ...

Sir William Hillary wrote his first appeal pamphlet in 1823 (above)

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The story can’t end here Now on the RNLI’s 200th anniversary, we need your special support, in a special year.

In the coming pages, you’ll discover a story of kindness woven through 2 centuries – and find out how you can help write the next chapter.

Photos: RNLI

ind souls stepped forward and showed that they would not stand by and let people drown.

They would not let lifesavers put themselves in harm’s way without protection. And every day since 1824 – despite wars, epidemics and economic storms – they have continued to step forward when the RNLI has needed them. From buying souvenirs and making caring donations to sending regular support and leaving gifts in Wills: they answered the call.

Volunteers at Appledore in Devon welcomed an aptly named new vessel in 1862: a lifeboat called Hope, funded thanks to the kindness of the late Reverend FW Hope

A new charity asks for help ‘With the most ample means for the rescue of thousands of human beings … shall we still leave them to their fate?’ That was the question posed by the RNLI’s founder, Sir William Hillary.

Having secured the support needed to form the charity in 1824, he then approached potential supporters to help ensure it had the funding to save lives around the coast. The people who responded were the first in a long line of caring supporters who refused to stand by while people drowned. More than 144,000 lives have been saved since.

Our charity has weathered many a storm, and supporters have always come to our rescue. By 1850, the RNLI was on the brink of financial collapse when new Secretary Richard Lewis arrived. His revival plan included a publicity drive and a new publication,

Since 1852 (left), Lifeboat has showed supporters how their kindness powers the RNLI’s lifesaving story

The Life-boat journal, which showed subscribers how their kindness saved lives – just as it does today.

From landlocked cities to coastal communities, the surge of new support helped grow the ring of safety around our coasts that Hillary had envisioned.

1825 – the first RNLI gift in a Will

Gold teeth, a pig farm and a 100-year-old bottle of cognac

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he first person to leave a gift to the RNLI in their Will was John Henry Hecker of Finsbury Square, London. He gave an incredibly generous £1,000 – worth more than £95,000 (over €109,000) today. It was used wherever it was needed most, and it was enough to fund around seven lifeboats.

Today, legacies make up two thirds of our vital lifesaving income. And every gift – large or small – helps to protect the courageous people who save lives. Gifts in Wills have included £330 from the sale

proceeds of china ornaments and collectables, and €2,500 from a keen yachtsman who thankfully never needed the RNLI, but always admired the ‘wonderful work’ of our crews.

Some of the gifts have come in surprising shapes and sizes – including a set of gold teeth, a pig farm and a 100-year-old bottle of cognac.

Whatever their value, every gift in a Will helps save lives for generations to come.

1891 – The world,s first charity street collection

‘He brought charity to the streets, and streets to the charity’ In 1891, wealthy industrialist Sir Charles Macara (right) answered the RNLI’s call for help, following the tragic loss of volunteers from two lifeboat crews. Five years earlier, 27 men from Southport and St Annes died while trying to rescue sailors from the stricken vessel Mexico.

Macara was so concerned for the widows and children of the volunteers lost that, in addition to making his own donation, he decided to organise a collection for them. Charles and his wife Marion also got a committee together and organised the first Lifeboat Saturday in Manchester, in aid of the RNLI. It was the first charity street collection ever recorded, and demonstrated that, wherever people lived, and whatever their means, they were determined to support the RNLI’s cause.

10 October 1891: Lifeboats and bands parade through Manchester, followed by volunteers with buckets and purses on poles

200 years and counting on you Photos: RNLI/(Harrison Bates, Nathan Williams)

Lifesaving today looks very different from Hillary and Lewis’s time at the helm. The frequent shipwrecks are history, and more of us head to the water for fun and relaxation. Lifesavers meet the waves on waterjet-powered lifeboats and streamlined rescue boards. Whenever our world changes, it is kindness that’s the constant. From answering Blue Peter appeals to joining Facebook challenges, each new generation of supporters has ensured we can keep innovating to meet the needs of future rescuers.

The Shannon class, our first all-weather lifeboat to be powered by waterjets

Today, the sea is as powerful and unpredictable as it ever was, and more people are using the water.

Our lifesavers are needed more than ever.

Help us keep the story alive Today’s groundbreaking technology and research is offering new hope. Each year we understand more about why people get into danger. We can develop new ways of keeping them safe, with more capable lifeboats, new rescue kit and campaigns like Float to Live.

Photos: Dean Wright, RNLI/(Nigel Millard, Nathan Williams)

Two centuries after the RNLI was formed on 4 March 1824, our vision is to save every one.

It sounds impossible. But when lifeboat crews launch in the worst of conditions, they set out to rescue every person in danger, not just some of them.

When lifeguards begin their summer patrols, they are determined to keep every beach visitor safe. And when the RNLI’s safety teams share lifesaving skills and advice at home and overseas, they aim to prevent every tragedy they can. Because one drowning is one too many.

Lifeguards have saved more than 2,000 lives since 2001 – and prevented many more people getting into danger

We can reach more people with our rescue and safety work if our lifesavers have you by their side – now, and in the years to come. Will you help us write the next chapter with a kind gift today?

1923 – Lifesaving souvenirs for the first 100 years

‘Every household should have something which would always remind its members of the Lifeboat Service’ As the RNLI’s supporters and volunteers prepared to mark 100 years of lifesaving, The Life-boat journal of 1923 advertised a range of souvenirs and encouraged readers to make a purchase.

Three pence could buy a small lifeboat crew member statuette. Or a pin cushion in the shape of a lifeboat was available for a shilling and sixpence.

A lifeboat-shaped pin cushion (right) is listed among centenary souvenirs in The Life-boat journal

As well as raising crucial funds to equip the crews, this offered supporters the chance to show their love for the charity; to own a piece of the Institution that they powered with their kindness. 100 years on, our crews and lifeguards still rely on the funds raised by your lifesaving shopping. Choose your own piece of history to treasure from our RNLI 200 range, found in RNLI shops and online.

Write the next chapter in our story of kindness

CELEBR ATE

INSPIR E

NEW GENER ATIONS

Your gift that powers the RNLI into the future

HOPE A ND COUR AGE

Your support for today’s lifesavers

L I F E S AV I N G H E R I T A G E

Your special souvenir selection

COMMEMOR ATE

Today and into the next 100 years, the RNLI’s lifesavers count on you. Discover three ways to show your support on our 200th anniversary

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Commemorate in style Whether you choose something that you wear with pride, give with love or treasure forever, take your pick from our special collection of 200th anniversary products

1. R NLI 200 T-Shirt Adult sizes S-XXL Ref: RS0040807 £15.00 / €18.00

Kids' ages 1-11 years Ref: RS0044102 £8.00 / €10.00 2. RNLI 200 Polo Shirt Adult sizes XS-XXL Ref: RS0040701 £18.00 / €22.00

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3. RNLI 200 Dog Bandana Ref: RS0092101NAV £8.00 / €10.00

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4. RNLI 200 Shopper Ref: RS0047701 £7.00 / €8.50 5. RNLI 200 Cap One size (adult) Ref: RS0042102NAV0 £8.00 / €10.00 Small size (suitable for children) Ref: RS0045101 £7.00 / €8.50 6. RNLI 200 Recycled Trifold Wallet

Ref: RS0042502NAV0 £6.00 / €7.50 7. R NLI 200 Spinner Key Ring Ref: RS0021404 £6.00 / €7.50 8. RNLI 200 Silver Sparkly Badge Ref: RS0021104 £4.00 / €5.00

Fly the flag for our crews

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Found on the side of every lifeboat, the RNLI flag is the symbol of saving lives at sea. Leonora Preston created the iconic design in 1884, in gratitude for her brother’s rescue. It’s been our official flag since 1908 – and inspires these classic keepsakes.

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11. Men's RNLI Full Zip Flag Fleece Adult sizes S-XXL

Ref: RS857979 £38.00 / €46.00

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9. R NLI 200 Badge Ref: RS0021101 £3.00 / €4.00 10. RNLI 200 Socks Pack of 2 Adult sizes 4-7 Ref: RS0042402VARS07 £9.00 / €11.00 Adult sizes 6-11 Ref: RS0042401VARS11

£9.00 / €11.00

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12. Women's RNLI Full Zip Flag Fleece Adult sizes 10-18

Ref: RS889857 £38.00 / €46.00 13. RNLI Heritage Flag Ceramic Sign Ref: RS0076202 £8.00 / €10.00

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14. RNLI Heritage Flag Bone China Mug Ref: RS0072103 £10.00 / €12.00

15. RNLI Heritage Flag Jotter Pad Ref: RS0063101

£4.00 / €5.00 16. RNLI Heritage Flag Playing Cards Ref: RS0032101 £4.50 / €5.50

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Designed for life – and lifesavers

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Photo: Clarke & Son

Before 1854, lifeboat volunteers had little protection if rough seas swept them overboard. This range pays tribute to the first RNLI lifejacket, a cork design by RNLI Inspector Captain Ward.

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Illustrated programmes, like this original from 1893, featured heroic rescue stories, and inspire this special collection

17. RNLI Heritage Lifejacket Bear Suitable for ages 3y+ Ref: RS0031202 £15.00 / €18.00 18. RNLI Heritage Lifejacket T-Shirt Adult sizes S-XXL Ref: RS0040801NAV

£15.00 / €18.00

19. RNLI Heritage Lifejacket Duck Ref: RS0075401 £35.00 / €42.00 20. RNLI Milly Lifeboat Crew Bear Suitable for ages 3y+ Ref: RS2231202 £12.00 / €14.50

How to

shop.RNL

Please note, we’ Prices are correct at time of printin for any additional fees incurred in

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One extraordinary day that kept lifeboats afloat

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This range commemorates the world's first street collection, held by volunteers in Manchester in 1891.

21. Lifeboat Saturday Tote Bag R ef: RS0047101 £10.00 / €12.00

23. Lifeboat Saturday Magnetic Pad and Pen Ref: RS0063201 £7.00 / €8.50

25. Lifeboat Saturday Scarf Ref: RS00422030 £25.00 / €30.00

22. Lifeboat Saturday Tea and Biscuits Gift Box Ref: RS0055101 £8.00 (not available outside the UK)

24. Lifeboat Saturday Women's T-Shirt Adult sizes S-XL

Ref: RS0041702 £15.00 / €18.00

26. Lifeboat Saturday Lifering Pin Badge Ref: RS0021105 £5.00 / €6.00

buy your RNLI 200 souvenirs and more Online:

LI.org/200

Call us: (charges apply)

0300 300 9916 (UK) +44 2038 327234 (outside UK)

In our shops: Find your nearest at RNLI.org/shops

’re unable to accept RNLI Shop orders by post. Please do not send a cheque or cash for souvenir orders. ng. Delivery charges may apply when ordering online. If products are to be delivered outside the UK, you agree to be responsible ncluding any applicable customs duties or taxes in that country. For full terms and conditions please visit shop.RNLI.org/terms.

One Crew, made for you

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Designer and illustrator Jonty Storey ​ (pictured below) also volunteers on Abersoch lifeboat c​ rew. His passion for the RNLI and ​our proud heritage shines through in all his designs.

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3. Helly Hansen RNLI 200 Hooded Jacket Adult sizes S-XXL

Ref: RS0040601EBY £160.00 / €192.00 4. Helly Hansen RNLI Light Dry Bag, 3L Ref: RS872426BLK3L £15.00 / €18.00

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1. RNLI One Crew Flag T-Shirt Adult sizes S-XXL

Ref: RS2440808WHT £15.00 / €18.00 2. RNLI Icons Bone China Mug, Aqua Ref: RS2372118AQU £10.00 / €12.00

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5. Kids' RNLI Crew Helmet One size. Suitable for ages 3y+

Ref: RS2331401 £12.00 / €14.50 6. Kids' Future Crew T-Shirt, White Ages 1-8 years

Ref: RS2044101WHT £8.00 / €10.00 7. RNLI Bioplastic Boat Toy with Shapes Suitable for ages 3y+ Ref: RS2231701 £10.00 / €12.00

Power the next rescue with the favourites you love You’ll find something for everyone in our shop’s most popular ranges – and every purchase helps save lives at sea. Don’t miss the RNLI 200 hooded jacket from Helly Hansen, the makers of all our crew kit.

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L I F E S AV I N G H E R I T A G E

C O M M E M O R A T E

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8. RNLI Saved from the Waves Paperback book Ref: RS2311901 £9.99 / €12.00

10. RNLI Against the Tide Jigsaw Puzzle (1000 pcs) Ref: RS2132257 £16.00 / €19.50

9. Aquapac RNLI Waterproof Phone Case Ref: RS2238209 £20.00 / €24.00

11. Corgi RNLI Shannon Model Ref: RS471023 £10.00 / €12.00

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12. Lifeboat Statistics Tea Towel Ref: RS2371215 £7.50 / €9.00 13. RNLI Yellow Welly Garden Planter Small 22cm

Ref: RS2174320YELSML £15.00 / €18.00 Large 29.5cm

Ref: RS2174320YELLGE £25.00 / €30.00 14. RNLI Icons Potty Feet Ref: RS2376204VAR £22.00 / €26.50

This is more than a This is courage.

This is hope.

As an RNLI member, you might not be driving the lifeboat – but your kindness will drive us to save every one we can

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ince our charity’s foundation, lifesavers have relied on donations and annual subscriptions to provide the kit and training they need.

Even Queen Victoria became a subscriber in 1861, at £50 a year.

But overwhelmingly, the story of our membership is one of ordinary people helping brave volunteers to achieve the extraordinary.

Coxswain Edward Smith at Kessingland, Suffolk, wearing a sou’wester, oilskins and a kapok lifejacket

‘We count on your kindness to keep us ready to rescue’

Photos: RNLI/(Harrison Bates, Nathan Williams)

Sami Agnew, Larne RNLI Volunteer Crew Member

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From the early oilskins and woollen jumpers worn by crew to the specialised all-weather kit they use today – dependable support from our members ensures more safe returns home.

HOPE A ND COUR AGE

lifeboat.

You can help power our force for good ...

When you become an RNLI member, it sends a message to our crews and lifeguards that you are standing beside them. That this is our watch.

That together, we will save every one we can.

As one of our lifesaving family, you’ll be part of a force for good. Your continued support will help to fund everything our lifesavers need to save lives at sea, even in challenging times. This includes crew kit and training, well-equipped lifeboat stations and lifeguard units, and the best lifeboats and education materials. You’ll also be part of our work to help tackle drowning in communities at risk around the world. So, when lives are on the line, you’ll make all the difference.

... and that makes you one of the crew You’ll get closer to the crew too, with a host of exclusive benefits. These include a handbook to

help you get the most from your membership, and our quarterly magazine, Lifeboat. Head behind the scenes to read interviews with lifesavers, true tales of courage from our history, and recent rescue stories of hope and gratitude.

JOIN A FORCE FOR GOOD Online: RNLI.org/200crew

Call us: 0330 1824 200 (UK) 01 511 9833 (Ireland) OPEN WEEKDAYS, 8AM–6PM

Freepost: Complete the form attached to the letter in this pack

If you would prefer to send a one-off donation, please visit RNLI.org/200gift

Photos: RNLI/(Barbara Szente, Nigel Millard)

Become an RNLI member today

A gift in your Will is their protection at sea for years to come

I N S P I R E

NEW GENER ATIONS

Your legacy can help future volunteers face the full force of the sea

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ir William Hillary’s vision was of volunteers ‘in constant readiness to risk their own lives’ to save people ‘they have never known or seen’.

When you leave a gift in your Will, you can’t know or see the future crews you’ll protect at sea – or their inspiration for saving lives. Perhaps today they’re toddling in their first RNLI yellow wellies. Or a lifeguard has reunited them with their parents. They may be on their first shout right now, and your gift could see them safely to their last.

Whoever steps up to join our new generation of lifesavers, a gift in your Will – large or small – can keep them safe for years to come.

6LAUNCHES in10 ARE ONLY POSSIBLE THANKS TO

GIFTS IN WILLS

The power to save lives tomorrow

‘We wouldn’t be here if it hadn’t been for their help’ – Delia Swift

When gale-force winds and rough seas off Land’s End battered Chris and Delia’s yacht, lifeboat volunteers from Sennen Cove answered their call for help The yacht’s rudder was torn off, leaving the couple at the mercy of the sea and in danger of running aground on unforgiving granite rocks. Torrential rain and pounding waves had left them soaked to the skin. Delia and Chris tied themselves to the cockpit, together with their dog Ozzy, and prepared for the worst.

The sea can catch anyone out: Delia and Chris have more than 50 years’ sailing experience

‘I can’t express how frightening it was. And how reassuring to see that beautiful orange lifeboat on the horizon and know that help was near,’ Delia says. ‘We expected to die – the volunteers saved our lives. Chris and I were both so moved by their compassion and skill that we’re leaving gifts in our Wills to help protect RNLI crews like them in the future.’

Photos: RNLI/(Tim Stevens, Justin Smith, Delia Swift)

Your generosity won’t be forgotten – because your name will be added to the side of a lifeboat Since the earliest oar-powered lifeboats, names have been at the heart of thanking the kind people who fund them. Now, as a thank you for leaving a legacy to the RNLI, your name can live on beside our future crews.

When we’re notified that we have received your gift, we will add your name to the side of a special legacy lifeboat. Alongside the names of other generous supporters, yours will make up the letters and numbers that appear on the lifeboat’s hull (pictured above).

Your loved ones will be invited to see the lifeboat up-close at an event in Poole, while our regular updates will help them feel connected to your gift and take pride in your kindness. And your generosity will be remembered as you sail beside our crews – for every launch, every rescue and every safe return home.

Will you create a lifesaving legacy to power the crew for years to come?

Whether you’re just starting to plan your Will, or have already chosen to leave a gift to the RNLI, we’d love to hear from you. When you get in touch, we can share more information or thank you personally for your pledge:

Online: RNLI.org/200legacy

Call us: 0330 1824 200 (UK) 01 511 9833 (Ireland) OPEN WEEKDAYS, 8AM–6PM

The RNLI is the charity that saves lives at sea

The Royal National Lifeboat Institution, a charity registered in England and Wales (209603), Scotland (SC037736), the Republic of Ireland (CHY 2678 and 20003326), the Bailiwick of Jersey (14), the Isle of Man (1308 and 006329F), the Bailiwick of Guernsey and Alderney, of West Quay Road, Poole, Dorset, BH15 1HZ

Freepost: Complete the form attached to the letter in this pack

T H AT C A N ’ T CON T I N U E W I T HOU T YOU 2 0 0

Y E A R S

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A STORY OF K I N DN ESS

Photo: RNLI/Nathan Williams

RNLI lifesavers, Trafalgar Square, London 2024