Six-year-old Eastbourne boy presents birthday cheque to RNLI

James Williams, of Sovereign Harbour, has been a fan of lifeboats since he was tiny – but friends and family were amazed when he announced he wanted to make a donation to Eastbourne lifeboats instead of gifts this year.

His remarkable gesture prompted overwhelming support from friends and family which, including a donation of £100 from the Rotary Club of Sovereign Harbour, resulted in a total of £475 being collected.

As a show of thanks, a crew turned up at his birthday party and surprised James with a spin around the harbour on a lifeboat.

Then on Sunday (March 5) the Cavendish School pupil had the opportunity to meet the volunteer crew and present a cheque to Coxswain Mark Sawyer.

In accepting the cheque, Mark said the whole crew were overwhelmed at the generosity of such a young supporter and that the money would go towards their equipment which is so vital to the continuation of their work of saving lives at sea.