The mum of a man who died in the Solent has raised thousands for a lifeboat charity by abseiling the Spinnaker Tower

The mother of a man who died after a boating accident in the Solent 15 years ago has raised £4,450 for the lifeboat charity who tried to save him.

Ann Beach abseiled down the Spinnaker Tower on Sunday 5th July in memory of her son, Patrick Beach. She was greeted with loud cheers from her friends and family, including one of her granddaughters, along with volunteers from the charity and crew members who attended the accident on 3rd July 2011.

Ann Beach and her granddaughter (both on the right) with GAFIRS volunteers Andy Thomas, Andy Barber, Mike Allen and Joanne Young | Andy Thomas

placeholder image — Ann Beach and her granddaughter (both on the right) with GAFIRS volunteers Andy Thomas, Andy Barber, Mike Allen and Joanne Young | Andy Thomas

Ann has been fundraising for Gosport & Fareham Inshore Rescue Service (GAFIRS) since then and was really pleased with the amount raised as she knows it will make a big difference.

She said, “I’ve been fundraising continuously in Patrick's memory to support the amazing lifeboat crew who did all they could to save his life. Unfortunately, Patrick passed away in hospital but the help they provided meant we were able to say goodbye and tell him how much we loved him.

GAFIRS is run by volunteers who put their life on the line daily to keep people safe and save lives, and the charity is very close to my heart. Thank you to everyone who’s supported me with my abseil and over the years.”

Darren Taylor-Lane, Community Director for GAFIRS said, “Thank you, Ann for your fantastic support. Patrick’s memory continues to make a lasting difference by enabling us to carry out our rescue work in the Solent and train more volunteers for the future.”

Ann Beach abseiling down the Spinnaker Tower | Andy Thomas

The charity is holding a free Emergency Services Day at the lifeboat station at Stokes Bay on Sunday 19th July from 11am to 4pm and they will be joined by Hampshire & Isle of Wight Police, Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service, South Central Ambulance Service, Blood Bikes, HM Coastguard, Gosport Police Cadets and others.

GAFIRS volunteers are also taking part in a sponsored Lifeboat Pull on Stokes Bay Field on Sunday 25th July, starting at 9am and they are looking for businesses to support their 2027 calendar. If your business would like to sponsor a month, please email [email protected]

To find out more about GAFIRS and how to support them, visit their website gafirs.org.uk