Man goes 250 miles to lifeboat named after grandad

A man has travelled hundreds of miles in one day to visit a lifeboat commemorating a lost relative after spotting it by chance on social media.

Karl Williams made the 500 mile (804km) round trip from Stockport in Greater Manchester to Queenborough, Kent to visit the lifeboat Eric's Legend, named after his grandfather Eric Hester.

The vessel was temporarily stationed at RNLI Sheerness while its usual lifeboat underwent repairs, and was accessible at an open day in the neighbouring town.

"We had so much to talk about on the way home that the journey didn't even feel long," Williams said.

The Shannon-class vessel is one of the RNLI's boats named in recognition of donations from wills or family of supporters who have died.

Williams's mother had applied for the lifeboat to be named after Hester, who died in the 1980s.

"When my mum first applied to have our names on the boat, we didn't realise at first it was a relief boat," said Williams.

"So it's really hard to see the vessel because it can end up anywhere in the country.

"Thankfully, Sheerness RNLI advertised the open day on Facebook, and I happened to see it."

The 52-year-old said his grandparents were supporters of the lifesaving charity, a passion which has been passed on down the generations.

He recalled mechanics showing him around lifeboats when visiting Norfolk on holiday as a child.

Williams said: "I'd come home with posters, and my bedroom wall was covered in them."

He added: "You can rely on the guys with the orange boat to come out and look after you."

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