A documentary by TV comedian Jim Davidson has helped raise £1,000 in seven days towards Caister Lifeboat's new vessel in the hopes of having it named after a much-loved nurse.

 

Community nurse Annette Thurlow, who was famed for her diligence and discretion, died unexpectedly in 2018.

Mrs Thurlow wanted to be an organ donor so she could continue helping people. But difficulty establishing her cause of death meant her organs could not be donated, devastating her family.

Great Yarmouth Mercury: Annette Thurlow who died suddenly aged 58 had hoped to save lives by donating her organs. A bid to name the new Caister Lifeboat in her honour would go some way to realising her wishes, her family says. Picture - Dick ThurlowAnnette Thurlow who died suddenly aged 58 had hoped to save lives by donating her organs. A bid to name the new Caister Lifeboat in her honour would go some way to realising her wishes, her family says. Picture - Dick Thurlow (Image: Dick Thurlow)

At the launch of Caister Lifeboat's Keep The Boat Afloat campaign - which aimed to raise money for a new world-leading vessel, improved equipment and facilities - Mrs Thurlow's sons, current crew members Richard and Aaron stated their intent to raise enough for the campaign to ensure the boat be named after her so she could continue to help lives.

Caister Lifeboat patron Jim Davidson produced a 30-minute documentary highlighting the organisation's new vessel and the Thurlow family's determination in cementing their mother's legacy.

Great Yarmouth Mercury: Jim Davidson at the Caister Lifeboat station with assistant coxswain Richard Thurlow and former coxswain Dick Thurlow. Picture - UstremeJim Davidson at the Caister Lifeboat station with assistant coxswain Richard Thurlow and former coxswain Dick Thurlow. Picture - Ustreme (Image: Ustreme)

Mrs Thurlow's widower and former Caister Lifeboat coxswain Dick said: "We are delighted with how everything has gone. 

"Jim has been a great help to us throughout.

Great Yarmouth Mercury: Jim Davidson (centre) with John Cannell and Richard Thurlow at Pub on the Prom. Picture - James WeedsJim Davidson (centre) with John Cannell and Richard Thurlow at Pub on the Prom. Picture - James Weeds (Image: James Weeds)

"Not only has his documentary raised our story, but we have covered over 15,000 miles on the road with Jim over the past 16 months.

"His audience has taken Annette's wishes to heart."

Mr Davidson also hosted a special charity gala concert alongside friend Bobby Davro at Great Yarmouth’s Britannia Pier in April, which helped raise more than £10,000 for the cause.

Great Yarmouth Mercury: Caister Lifeboat's Skipper Jack giving the thumbs. Picture - UstremeCaister Lifeboat's Skipper Jack giving the thumbs. Picture - Ustreme (Image: Ustreme)

The new documentary - 'For The Love Of A Woman' - was filmed for the online streaming service Ustreme.

It contains behind-the-scenes footage of the Britannia Pier show, interviews with the Caister Lifeboat team and the new Medina-class vessel while it was under construction on the Isle of Wight.

The documentary has since been made public on YouTube to help boost funds.

To donate, visit www.caisterlifeboat.org.uk/keep-the-boat-afloat