By Catherine Bolado

A GENEROUS Dorset man has donated £250,000 for a new lifeboat station.

Gronow Davis who owns the 7,500 acre Rushmore Estate, made the donation to help build the new lifeboat station for Swanage RNLI.

Since becoming a supporter of the RNLI in 2011 Mr Davis has been committed to supporting the work of the charity. Last year he organised a golf day in aid of the Swanage Lifeboat Station Appeal, raising a staggering £25,000. This proved to be just the start of his support.

He went to meet the crew and see the old station and he pledged to raise the £250,000 to fund the cost of building a fully equipped training room, the crew’s comprehensive training and all their essential kit to keep them safe and warm at sea.

Mr Davis owns the 7,500 acre Rushmore Estate which incorporates the Larmer Tree Gardens, Rushmore Golf Club and Tollard Park Equestrian Centre. Rushmore is contained within the Cranborne Chase an ancient deer forest where King John came to hunt.

The Swanage lifeboat crew and fundraisers are honoured to receive such a significant donation.

Swanage RNLI lifeboat station appeal chairman Peter Foster said: “After working closely with Mr Davis to organise the RNLI Golf Day back in July 2014, I became aware of his tremendous support for the charity.

“This additional donation he made is a remarkable show of his support and it is fitting that his donation will fund the crew room that will be the heart of the future lifeboat station.”

The new lifeboat station, which is currently under construction, will house the new Shannon class lifeboat due in Swanage next year.

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