A Buckinghamshire woman whose kindness helped fund a new boathouse at Hayling Island lifeboat station was honoured in a special ceremony on Saturday.

Pippa made a donation to the RNLI in memory of her parents, Bruce and Margaret Hudson, who were keen supporters of the charity. The ceremony also featured the official naming of the station’s latest lifeboat, the Atlantic 85 Derrick Battle.

Speaking at the ceremony as she unveiled a commemorative plaque in honour of the donors, Pippa said: ‘I am delighted to be here today, representing family and friends who contributed, in memory of my parents, to the extension of Hayling Island lifeboat station.

‘My father was in the Royal Naval Reserve, and he and my mother sailed in Chichester Harbour for many years. 

'For some time after he died, my mother moved to live in Bosham, which she did for the rest of her life. So, they would be delighted to be associated with this lifeboat station and very proud indeed.’

Also remembered at the ceremony were Ray and Audrey Lusty and Gwendoline Prince, all from Surrey, who left generous legacy gifts to the RNLI to help fund the improvements at Hayling Island lifeboat station.

Lifeboat Operations Manager Nigel Roper says: ‘To house the next and future generations of lifeboats to be stationed here, a major extension was needed as a matter of operational emergency.

‘The new design incorporates a dedicated training and education room. This facility is equipped with all the latest aids to assist us with the training of our crews. The building also has a harbour and sea safety information room for this, the second largest harbour in the country. I must record the station’s profound thanks to the representatives of the various legators for making this possible. We are thrilled with the final design and are indebted to the RNLI and our donors.’