Jason’s legacy helps equip the crew

A charity dinner organised in memory of Jason Matthews, who died tragically in a car crash on Hayling last September, has raised £4000 for the Hayling Island RNLI Lifeboat Station.

Jason had visited the Hayling Lifeboat Station only two weeks before the accident and had always wanted to join the RNLI to save lives at sea. Scott, his brother, organised a charity dinner at his restaurant, the Relentless Steak and Lobster House in Southsea, and was delighted when it raised a considerable sum which he then made up to £4000.

The donation will be used to buy 10 new design lifejackets which cost £330 each and will equip the volunteer crews with an improved jacket and sprayhood. Presenting the cheque to the volunteer crew members Steve Hulatt and Kara Parry, Scott said, ‘JJ always wanted to join the RNLI and so I wanted to help to support the charity in saving the lives of others.’ Jonathan Bradbury the RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager said, ‘We are immensely grateful for this generous donation, which will certainly make the crews lives easier. ‘