Oldest fundraiser dies at 105

Evelyn Hunt, who has died at the age of 105, had for many years been a dedicated fundraiser for the Hessle-based Humber Rescue, and even stopped buying her favourite magazine so she could save the money for a donation.

Mrs Hunt, whose three brothers were from a maritime background, also knitted and crocheted baby clothes to sell to raise money for the station.

Dave Roberts, chairman, trustee, and coxswain at Humber Rescue, said: “Our condolences go out to Evelyn’s family and friends at this very difficult time.

“Mrs Hunt’s fundraising efforts will never be forgotten and as an organisation we are totally dependent on people like her. We would like to pass on our sincere thanks for all of her dedicated work, which has been instrumental in keeping our boats afloat for many years.”

The charity is not affiliated to the RNLI and is dependent on its own fundraising and donations.

Mrs Hunt’s daughter Roberta Dibnah said: “As a family we became involved with fundraising for Humber Rescue many years ago and among other things, mum would make baby clothes to sell to raise funds for the charity she never gave up on.

“We sent her last donation to the boathouse only a few weeks ago.”

Mrs Hunt’s funeral takes place at St John Newland Church in Clough Road, Hull, at 2pm today.