A MAN who donated £10,000 to Portishead's RNLI charity has visited the lifeboat station to see how his money has been spent.

Andrew Buchanan and his partner Pat met up with members of the volunteer crew and were shown a plaque which was put up in memory of Andrew's late wife, Marjorie.

Dave Slack, lifeboat operations manager, said: "It was a pleasure to welcome Andrew and his partner Pat.

"We sat and had a cup of tea together in our training room and showed them both around explaining about all the kit we have available to us and our Atlantic 85 inshore lifeboat based here in Portishead.

"It is always sad to loose someone, with Andrew donating such a generous amount of money it seems appropriate to have a plaque on the wall in our boat hall to honour his late wife Marjorie."

Mr Buchanan said: "My donation to the RNLI was made for several reasons. My Grandfather was a chief engineer with P&O and during the First World War was torpedoed twice in foreign waters but survived.

"My Father worked in Marine insurance and I have always felt a close affinity with the sea having been born on the Wirral close to the Rivers Dee and Mersey.

"In my earlier career I worked in Liverpool and travelled to work by bus and ferry from Birkenhead to Liverpool. Finally my late wife Marjorie and I enjoyed ocean and river cruising over many years."

This year, the RNLI is celebrating its 200th anniversary. 

The charity organisation, which saves lives day in, day out, has been saving lives since 1824.

Its work ranges from helping people stranded on boats, islands, and even helping animals who find themselves in difficulty in bodies of water.

Posting on Facebook, a RNLI Portishead spokesperson said: "This year is going to be a huge one for RNLI as we celebrate our 200th anniversary.

"Throughout 2024 we'll be taking time to reflect on the legacy that RNLI volunteers and crew have left, acknowledging their impact, and celebrating the moments of selflessness that have saved countless lives since 1824."