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Mary’s a livesaver with RNLI legacy

Brian Lashley
31/10/2007

A LIFEBOAT has been unveiled bearing the name of a woman who was inspired by the life-saving heroes on trips to the seaside.

Mary Lewis left more than £125,000 to the charity after she died, aged 86, eight years ago.

Family and friends attended a naming ceremony in Manchester city centre to honour Mary.

In a celebration to mark its launch and to remember her generosity, champagne was poured rather than smashed over the inflatable hull.

Relative Ida George, who formally named the boat, believes Mary, from Broadbottom, was inspired to leave the money after talking to lifeboat crews during holidays to Weston-super-Mare.

Ida, herself a former president of the Mottram and Broadbottom RNLI Ladies Lifeboat Guild, said: "Mary was a lovely person and very generous.

"It’s wonderful to know that she will be remembered through this lifeboat and that it will be out there helping to save lives in her name."

Ida says Mary was a private person who gave no clues she was going to support the charity so generously after her death.

Her bequest to the RNLI also funded a pager system to call volunteer lifeboat crews on the Isle of Man.

Mary, who worked for the Inland Revenue, also left significant sums to five other charities.

"She was always a person who thought about others," said Ida.

"She realised that the RNLI didn't get donations from the government and she was very practical."

Ida’s daughter, Rosalyn Halford, described Mary as "a very special lady who was loved by us all".

She said: "It is wonderful to know that as this lifeboat that bears her name is saving lives she will be remembered."

Andrew Ashton, RNLI divisional inspector, said the radar-equipped boat was the most advanced of its kind.

"It will enable our lifeboatmen and women to carry out their life-saving work more safely and effectively than ever before," he said.