A retired Highland maths teacher has pledged his support to a lifeboat crew on the north coast in honour of his late grandfather.
To mark his 80th birthday, Alex Main from Thurso launched an appeal for relatives and friends to give donations in aid of RNLI’s Thurso lifeboat – and eventually raised an impressive £750 for the cause.
Speaking of how important donations are to the “worthwhile” cause, he said: “I have a long-term affiliation for the RNLI, mainly because of my grandfather’s involvement.
“It’s a very worthwhile cause and it’s all dependent on charitable donations to maintain all these lifeboats round the British coast.”
His affection for the charity stems from his grandfather Alexander Main’s involvement and achievements as a lifesaving crew member.
The teacher’s ancestor signed on as an original member of the Helmsdale RNLI Lifeboat crew in the early 20th century, helping to save the lives of individuals at sea in an unpowered rowing boat.
In 1912, he was awarded the prestigious silver medal for diving as well as a princely sum of £3 after diving into rough seas to recover a casualty from an upturned fishing vessel named “Gem”.
During the First World War, Mr Main’s grandfather decided to join the Navy.
However, in 1915, the ship on which he was serving was torpedoed, leading him to be taken prisoner by the Germans for three years – during which time he kept the ribbon of his prestigious medal close to his heart.
The cherished accolade remains a precious heirloom to his family, passed down through the generations to his proud grandson.
During a visit to the lifeboat station, located at Scrabster Harbour, he presented his donation to crew members onboard the lifeboat.
A Thurso lifeboat spokesman said they were “delighted” by his unwavering generosity and the commitment displayed by the Main family to the RNLI.
He said: “The Thurso branch of the RNLI is absolutely delighted to receive this very kind donation from Alex and the fact that there is such a great family connection to the RNLI makes it even more special for all of us.”
