Rescued woman visits station to thank Bangor RNLI crew

On 7 June this year, Geraldine’s life changed in an instant.  One second she was enjoying a walk with two dogs along Ballyholme promenade on a beautiful sunny day, the next she had fallen more than two metres onto rocks and shingle after one of the dogs pulled and over-balanced her.

Many will remember the striking photo of  crew member John Bell holding Geraldine’s hand and reassuring her as she was lifted into the ambulance.

Geraldine was delighted to meet three of the crew involved in her rescue – Mickey McKenna (helm), John Bell, and Richard McClinton.  The fourth crew member that day, Ian Browne, sent his regards as he is currently working overseas.

After five weeks in the Ulster Hospital and another four receiving physio, Geraldine is back on her feet, in the knowledge it could be a year before she is fully recovered.

In an emotional meeting, Geraldine said, ‘As soon as I fell, I knew it was serious, and if it wasn’t for the RNLI, I really don’t think I’d be alive today’. 

Geraldine was also full of praise for everyone else that helped her, but singled out ‘her angel’ John Bell, who held her hand throughout the rescue.

She said: ‘Every day since the accident, I’ve wanted to thank you for your kind words and for holding my hand.  It made such a difference, and kept me calm; something the doctors say prevented the injury being even worse.’

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For information please contact Mark Johnston Bangor RNLI Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer Tel: 07976 256655  email: [email protected] or Niamh Stephenson RNLI Public Relations Manager on 00 353 87 1254 124 email [email protected] or Nuala McAloon RNLI Press Officer Tel: 00 353 87 6483547 email [email protected]

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The RNLI charity saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland coasts. The RNLI operates 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and more than 240 lifeguard units on beaches around the UK and Channel Islands. The RNLI is independent of Coastguard and government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824, its lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved over 146,000 lives.

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