Third Pearce-funded RNLI lifeboat named at Rhyl ceremony

Volunteers, supporters and the Rhyl community came together to name the station’s new lifeboat, funded by the legacy of Diana Jane Pearce.

The lifeboat was named after Mrs Pearce’s late husband, Geoff Pearce, who died in 1971. It is the third boat within the RNLI to be funded by the legacy of the Pearce Family.

Rhyl RNLI crew show the donor family and invited guests the capabilities of the D-class lifeboat (Image: RNLI/Danielle Rush)

The first lifeboat to be named after members of the family was in 1990, when Llandudno RNLI’s all-weather lifeboat was named Andy Pearce in memory of Diana’s youngest son. The second lifeboat to be named after the Pearce family was in Holyhead in 2003, where an all-weather lifeboat was named Christopher Pearce after Diana’s eldest son.

More recently Diana donated funds towards the new boathouse at Llandudno, which was officially opened in 2017.

• RELATED NEWS: Rhyl RNLI to name new D-class lifeboat at special ceremony

Lady Wills, Goddaughter of Diana and Geoff Pearce, officially named the lifeboat during the Naming Ceremony and Service of Dedication on Saturday (July 4) and handed the D-class into the care of the RNLI.

The naming of the new D-class lifeboat was a proud moment for the crew (Image: RNLI/Danielle Rush)

Lee Firman, RNLI Area Operations Manager, said: "It was fantastic to see so many people come together to mark what was a very important milestone in Rhyl RNLI’s history.

"The D-class is an exceptionally busy lifeboat at this station and I’m certain this new lifeboat will save many more lives off the Denbighshire coast.

Prior to the ceremony and service - volunteers head out in the station's new D-class inshore lifeboat (Image: Callum Robinson)

"This wouldn’t have been possible without the generosity of the donor, the family of whom I know were thrilled to meet the crew and find out more about the capabilities of this new D-class lifeboat.

Rhyl RNLI lifeboat launched following the ceremony. (Image: RNLI/Danielle Rush)

"We are incredibly grateful for all the support we receive, and the service gave us an opportunity to show our gratitude."

The service of dedication was led by Canon John Glover DL before Catherine Tudor Jones, Community Manager, brought proceedings to a close.

Mrs Frost’s son Paul was invited to the stage to receive a special award recognising Mrs Frost’s commitment to saving lives at sea for more than 50 years. (Image: RNLI/Danielle Rush)

The closure of proceedings was tinged with pride and sadness as the station remembered much-loved volunteer Jean Frost, President of Rhyl RNLI fundraisers who passed away in May. Mrs Frost’s son Paul was invited to the stage to receive a special award recognising Mrs Frost’s commitment to saving lives at sea for more than 50 years.

As the ceremony closed, Rhyl’s new D-class lifeboat launched and showed off his capabilities to guests.