THE Portishead RNLI team has announced the passing of volunteer Helm Bruce du Preez.

Bruce, 53, sadly passed in autumn 2023 following his battle with cancer.

He leaves behind his beloved wife Sadie, son Michael and family not just in the UK, but also overseas in South Africa.

Bruce joined the charity in 2003, back when it was operating as The Portishead Lifeboat Trust.

After serving an impressive 20 years, Bruce was awarded a medal for his voluntary work. During that time he took full responsibility whilst at sea as Helm when launching the Atlantic 85 class lifeboat, My Lady Anne.

On top of this, he also drove the launch vehicle, was lifeboat mechanic and was also a part of the operations and training teams.

Bruce helped to host the RNLI management team when it looked to adopt the Portishead Lifeboat Trust back in 2014. 

Bruce was a colleague, a friend and a teacher for many.

RNLI crew member Emma said: "I tie knots the way I do because of Bruce, his was the only methods I could understand."

Tom Mansell, RNLI regional lifesaving lead, said: "I was tremendously sad to hear that Bruce has died following his brave struggle against cancer.

"Bruce was the first crew member I ever met. He looked after the boat and equipment in the old station and he was our regular point of contact during the transfer to RNLI.

"I remember him as a bubbly, can do person, full of ideas, always happy to help and completely dedicated to what the station was doing to save lives. A really great volunteer and a really great guy."

A spokesperson from the RNLI said that "Bruce was a huge part of the RNLI family in Portishead."

They added: "We have a large Bruce shaped hole at RNLI Portishead, he will be deeply missed by not only us but his beloved family and all who knew him. Farewell our friend, fair winds to the other side…"

The RNLI work day in, day out to save lives at sea. The crew also works to promote safety around bodies of water.