RNLI Forever by the Sea funds are a positive and powerful way to honour the life of someone special who has passed away. By setting up a fund in the name of your loved one, you can give practical support for courageous volunteer lifeboat crews in their memory.

At a time of loss there can be a real need to celebrate a friend or loved one no longer with us. Seeing a Forever by the Sea fund flourish can give a feeling of shared commitment among friends and family, and a fulfilling reflection of that life's value.

Tribute Fund Coordinator Gemma Spencer says: ‘You can choose to give single donations or monthly gifts by direct debit. Some people like to send gifts on anniversaries, birthdays and special occasions. Others set up a whole range of enjoyable fundraising events and sponsored activities – whatever seems the right way of remembering your loved one. To date, our fund holders have raised over £41,000 to help us continue to save lives at sea.

‘We will send you updates twice a year and we also hold a remembrance service each December for fund holders.

‘I am so proud to work for the RNLI. My job allows me to help our supporters who have lost a loved one, to turn their grief into something lifegiving.

‘A tribute fund is extremely simple to set up and we handle all the administration – just give me a call on 01202 663504, email me at [email protected] or visit rnli.org.uk/inmemory for more information.’