22-04-2025
Son recalls witnessing dad's tragic Pembrokeshire cliff fall
Robert Dixon, 48, was on a weekend climbing break when he fell 40 feet from cliffs near Tenby.
The head injuries he suffered were too severe for him to survive.
The fast response to the incident by Tenby's inshore lifeboat is a vivid memory of Matthew's from that day, 25 years ago,
'I still recall that they were undertaking CPR as they sped away to the hospital to give him the best chance of survival,' he said.
Robert Dixon was an experienced climber. (Image: Matthew Dixon)
In gratitude for the lifeboat's role, and to honour his dad, Matthew, who lives in Sale, Manchester is now concluding a five-year fundraiser for the RNLI when he runs the London Marathon this Sunday, April 27.
He has already raised nearly £8,000 towards his £10,000 target for the charity through his JustGiving appeal.
The D Class lifeboat has served the RNLI's inshore fleet for many years. (Image: Gareth Davies Photography)
The tragic accident happened at Beck's Point to the west of Tenby, on the August Bank Holiday weekend, 2000.
Matthew, then living in Stockport, was with his dad's climbing group from the Innominata Mountain Club and they were on their final climb after an 'incredible time climbing and coasteering'.
He recalled: 'Sadly, my dad had an accident where part of the cliff face he was attached to came away and he fell onto the rocks and sea below.
'Brave efforts were made by those in attendance and the RNLI were fast to respond on a D Class Lifeboat
'Sadly, despite the efforts of all those in attendance and the RNLI. the injuries sustained to my father were too severe and he passed away.'
Inheriting his love of the outdoors from his dad, in 2020, Matthew embarked on a sporting fundraiser in aid of the RNLI to mark 20 years since the accident.
He completed the National Three Peaks, Yorkshire Three Peaks, the Great North Swim and the Pembrokeshire Coastal Path.
The Pembrokeshire Coast Path fundraiser concluded at Tenby Lifeboat Station. (Image: Matthew Dixon)
He added: 'However, sadly due to the pandemic, the London Marathon 2020 was cancelled and it has taken until now to secure a place.
'I will now - five years later - be completing the London Marathon in April to finally conclude all of the challenges I originally set out doing and hopefully meet my target before sending to the RNLI.'
Tenby Lifeboats RNLI is urging its supporters to visit Matthew's JustGiving page, linked above.
Reminding people that the marathon is the culmination of five years of challenges, they added: "Good luck Matt and thanks very much.'
