TRIBUTES have been paid from around the world to a Little Haven woman who helped raise more than half a million pounds for the RNLI.

Mary Whitewright died on November 6, aged 76.

Teacher, landlady, fundraiser, organiser and community councillor, Mary was described as a pillar of ‘The Havens’ community.

Speaking at her funeral, Mary’s son, Julian Whitewright, said: “Your messages of support, condolence, sympathy, remembrance, love, encouragement and hope have flooded in from far and wide.

“From Canada, the USA, Mexico, South Africa, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Russia, from across Europe, and from all over the UK, Wales and Pembrokeshire.

“It is your words that have kept us all going these last ten days, and although they are sometimes difficult to read, often reducing us to tears, they have never failed to help.”

Born in Swansea in 1940, Mary settled in Little Haven in 1963, where her parents were the landlords of The Saint Brides.

Training as a teacher at Trinity College, Carmarthen, Mary took her first position at North Road Boys School, Milford Haven.

She also taught in Hakin, St Davids and Broad Haven, where she went on to become school governor.

As a founding member of the Little and Broad branch of the RNLI, Mary gave over 40 years of service to the charity.

Earlier this year, she was named an Honorary Life Governor of the RNLI, the highest honour bestowed on non-crew volunteers.

Lifeboat Operations Manager at Little and Broad Haven RNLI, Andy Grey, said: “This is a very sad time and our thoughts and prayers go out to all of Mary’s family.

“Mary’s energetic nature and vibrant personality always ensured she had plenty of help at all the fundraising events she organised.”

Alongside working and fundraising, Mary gave 15 years to The Havens Community Council, sitting as chair and vice chair for several years.

Clerk of the community council, Christine Lewis, said she was a “special individual”.

“She put in an enormous amount of energy and enthusiasm into helping to make our community a better place.

“We will miss her greatly, but she will remembered for the tremendous support she always gave us.

Former clerk of the community council, Antony Sage, said Mary was “a safe pair of hands” that the council could turn to when making a difficult decision.

“She tried to be fair to all parties,” he said. “She was great to work with and will be sorely missed.”

Mary also served as church warden of the All Saints Church, Walton West, where she worked hard to keep the church functioning during difficult financial times.

For the last 20 years, she was involved Atlantic Challenge, an organisation that teaches young people maritime skills and builds international trust and cooperation. She was elected international president this year.

In 2001, Mary took over the running of The Castle pub in Little Haven with her husband Malcolm. They retired from the pub trade in 2008, but returned in 2014 to buy and run The Saint Brides.

Mary’s optimism and enthusiasm will continue through the many organisations she helped during her life.

Speaking at the 40th anniversary of the Little and Broad Haven RNLI, Mary said: “We have always said that fundraising can be fun and we have always made it fun.

“We have had so many laughs over the years.”