Two local families have have given their heartfelt reasons why they are backing the appeal for a new lifeboat for Looe.

Last summer, on the 10th June, the Ollie Naismith lifeboat was instrumental in the rescue of Louis Webber when he fell onto rocks at Hannafore.

Recalling that evening, Louis’s parents Emma and Mark Webber say: “If it was not for the fast response and care shown to Louis from the Looe RNLI volunteer crew, the outcome for Louis could have been very different. Without the D Class, Louis’s rescue would have been impossible, this was the safest and quickest method, and all other methods could have put Louis at more risk of further injury when he was already fighting for his life.”

Emma goes on to say: “When the crew told us the Ollie Naismith was reaching the end of its operational life, we were determined to ensure the volunteer crew have a replacement lifeboat to continue their amazing lifesaving service to the community of Looe”.

The Naismith family have a long association with Looe Lifeboat Station. Many of the volunteer and former crew were school friends of Ollie Naismith, keen surfers or musicians.

In 2009, the family lost Ollie in a road accident and they spearheaded an appeal to provide a D Class lifeboat which carries the name Ollie Naismith.

As Ollie’s dad John Naismith explains: “The appeal for the first Ollie Naismith came at the hardest time of my life. It gave me, Ollie’s Mum, and his sister Tori something positive to focus on at that dark time.

“I took huge comfort in the massive support that the appeal generated and from the affection that the crew have for Ollie’s lifeboat. That the crew are so keen on the new lifeboat to be named Ollie Naismith II is wonderful.”

The volunteer crew and fundraising team at Looe Lifeboat Station, together with the Naismith and Webber families, are passionate that the lifesaving legacy of the Ollie Naismith continues well into the 2030’s.

Ollie’s mum Maxine, and sister, Tori are delighted the new D Class inshore lifeboat will carry the name Ollie Naismith II.

Tori says: “My brother Ollie was a person who loved to bring happiness to others and cared deeply about the people around him.

“To see his legacy shine through on the RNLI D class lifeboat brings me immense pride and I cannot put into words how much it means to have his legacy continued with the Ollie Naismith ll.

“Just like Ollie, many lifestyles, including my own, revolve around the water, and it is a privilege to know our community is protected by a much-needed service.

“I cannot give enough thanks and praise for all the brave RNLI men and women who put themselves at risk to protect others at sea and keep our community safe.

“The RNLI is vital to all of us, any support will be gratefully received by my family, the Webber family and all families who have been supported so brilliantly by the RNLI.”

“No one can question the absolutely essential service the RNLI provides this town.” says Martin Gregory, Mayor of Looe,

“What makes it even more amazing is that it is fully staffed by dedicated volunteers and relies entirely on donations for its funding.

“I am so pleased to hear that Looe is to get a new D class inshore lifeboat, which will enable the volunteers to continue to save lives. I wish them every success with their fundraising target of £78,000. If you are able, please could you help them to reach their target.”