THE family of a former West Somerset student has launched an appeal to buy a lifeboat in his memory.

Toby Rundle, from Williton, died aged just 21 as he was starting his final year studying classics and English at Lady Margaret Hall, Oxford.

His family say they have been overwhelmed by “comfort, sympathy and support” they had received from family and Toby's friends from across the globe.

And the first donations to a fund with a target of £160,000 have already been promised. The cash will buy a new Atlantic class lifeboat for the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI).

Toby, who was educated at Millfield, was the son of journalist Chris Rundle, farming editor at the Western Daily Press, and his wife, Deborah, press and public relations officer with Taunton Deane council. He is also survived by his sister, Philippa, aged 28.

Mr Rundle, who spent 20 years as a member of Minehead lifeboat crew, said: “Toby always thought very highly of the lifeboat service. He would often talk about it with his friends, and he did what he could to encourage people to donate to it.

“And he also said that, given the chance, he would love to join a lifeboat crew himself when he was older.

“Sadly, that day will now never come, but we believe raising money for a boat which can perhaps be named after him will be a very appropriate way to celebrate his life.”

Mum Deborah said: “Toby had a huge number of friends and so many of them have already said they will do whatever they can to help. Our close families are equally committed to ensuring that an amazing person is remembered in an amazing way.”

In 2007 the County Gazette reported how Toby sold a first edition copy of Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone for £7,200 to help finance his university studies.