THREE members of the RNLI’s Basingstoke fundraising branch were privileged to mark 200 years of the institution during a special service at Westminster Abbey.

The Service of Thanksgiving took place on Monday, March 4, and fundraisers from Basingstoke were invited to attend.

Chair of the RNLI Basingstoke Fundraising Group Kate Stones, secretary Shelagh Le Marechal and volunteer Paul Grist battled against cancelled trains and made it to Westminster to witness lifeboats from 1901 and present day set up outside the Abbey.

Since 1824, when Sir William Hillary established the RNLI, the charity has saved 146,277 lives across the UK and Ireland.

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Basingstoke Gazette: Kate Stones, Paul Grist and Shelagh Le Marechal at the Service of ThanksgivingThe Duke of Kent was in attendance at the service as President of the RNLI, and the congregation were reminded of the ‘Appeal to the Nation’ written by Sir William in 1824 setting out the main purpose and values of the RNLI, which still stand 200 years on.

The service also recognised and celebrated the hundreds of serving and retired lifeboat crews and lifeguards who selflessly risk their lives to save others, and marked those who have been lost in service.

Kate said: “It was a wonderful day and a privilege to be part of such a special occasion.”

If anyone is interested in joining the branch, volunteering occasionally and helping raise vital funds for the RNLI, email community manager Charlie Rustem on charlie_rustem@rnli.org.uk.