Tributes Paid To RNLI Supporter

Volunteers in Dorset have paid tribute to a lifelong charity supporter who died aged 91.

Phyl Cleare, from Bournemouth, donated four lifeboats to the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) during her lifetime and her will made a provision for a further two lifeboat donations to go to stations in Weymouth and Swanage.

Phyl, together with her late husband Jack, began supporting the RNLI in the 1980s. They became a familiar face around Weymouth and Swanage lifeboat stations.

When Phyl's husband Jack passed away in 2000, she continued her support of the RNLI and named the Swanage inshore lifeboat Jack Cleare, in honour of her late husband.

Becky Mack, volunteer crew member at Swanage and RNLI fundraiser, worked closely with Phyl. She said:

"Phyl was a wonderful lady with great spirit. She supported a number of good causes but had a special place in her heart for the RNLI and in particular the volunteers.

"Phyl was always keen to ask me about the latest rescues her lifeboats had been involved in and how all the crew and their families were doing. She also had many great stories to tell about the exciting life she and Jack had led which always brought a smile to my face. We will miss her greatly."

Since 1990, Phyl funded four lifeboats; three D class lifeboats, two of which have gone to Swanage, plus a relief D class lifeboat and an Atlantic 75 at Weymouth.

In 2011, she was presented with the RNLI's Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of her commitment and support of the charity.
James Vaughan, RNLI fundraising and communications director, said: 

"Phyl's generosity, commitment and dedication to our charity has been quite outstanding."

Phyl passed away on March 28.