A lifeboat has been named in memory of a woman’s parents after she donated money to pay for its purchase.

Kingston-based Hilary Saw came up with the title ‘Olwen and Tom’ in memory of the couple who passed away in 1975 and 1980.

The official naming ceremony at Teddington RNLI lifeboat station took place on what would have been her father’s 99th birthday.

Before Thomas Shelton died he worked for the firm which produces the adhesives in lifeboats including this one.

Before that he was the founder of the Intelligence Corps. His wife Gladys Olwen Martin was a maid.

Hilary, who lives with her husband Peter, said: “As a little girl I once saw footage of the launch of a lifeboat and thought how wonderful it must be to name a brave boat like that after your parents.

“When I grew up I realised I would never be able to afford to do so but one day leaning on the parapet of a London bridge I saw a zippy little inshore lifeboat fly by and the impossible became possible.

“Though they had no particular connection with boats or sailing, it has been especially pleasing to honour my parents’ memory by funding the new lifeboat for Teddington.

“This is because I see their courage, generosity and care for others mirrored in the RNLI and its people.”

The rapid response D-class lifeboat has been sent out to rescue five people in the Thames since it was put into service in December.

Tim Ody, lifeboat operations manager at Teddington RNLI lifeboat station thanked the couple for funding the lifeboat at the ceremony on May 21 and gave them a quick ride to show off what it can do.

The RNLI at Teddington are currently trying to raise awareness of the dangers of the River Thames after the death of Kingston law student Niall Pawsey.

The 20-year-old drowned after drinking in the Kingston Mill pub.