Martin has dedicated over half of his life to supporting the charity, fulfilling roles from coxswain and mechanic at Lytham St Annes Lifeboat Station to tireless fundraiser.
For 30 years Martin has given up his days, evenings, nights and weekends to selflessly fundraise, train or lead a crew to rescue those in trouble at sea.
While he has many roles within the RNLI, it isMartin’s ‘off duty’ work that has helped to make him the pillar of the community he is. Behind the scenes he has relentlessly supported the charity’s fundraising throughout the north west of England. His warmth of personality and generosity of spirit have meant Martin often changes the lives of the people he meets, and thanks to him and the rest of the crew, Lytham St Annes is known for its dependabilty, opennesss and willingness to help, no matter what.
Martin said: ‘It was quite a shock to receive the call telling me I’d be getting an MBE – but a brilliant one. But it isn’t just for me, it’s for my family too who have put up with me and supported me being part of the lifeboat for the best part of 30 years and the ups and downs that come with it.
‘I don’t like keeping secrets, and while I’m really proud of everything I have done and achieved, I know my family will be absolutely thrilled, especially my daughter. Whilst I’m not Coxswain anymore, my job is to help lifeboat stations. It’s good to know that I can still help make a difference to crew and other volunteers’
Martin is well known in the local community, but he also plays a leading role in the wider RNLI, where he is looked upon almost like a hero. Spending time talking to volunteers from around the UK, telling them stories, and offering them support, he is loved by all, often taking hours talking to individuals, but always thanking them for their support.People really like this strong, accomplished and approachable lifeboat man, and this affection is only amplified by his attention to the smaller details, such as hand writing letters, sending Christmas cards to supporters, taking young crew members under his wing.He is an extraordinary man.
The RNLI's Community Fundraising Manager said; ‘Martin never fails to amaze me in the fact he always goes above and beyond – particularly for fundraising. Martin was instrumental in setting up the Lytham Fundraising Branch and getting all the crew involved, and his eye for the smaller details really sits well with our more traditional supporters. What makes him stand out as a special person is his ability to make life-long relationships almost instantly.”
Martin has been pivotal in increasing his local fundraising from £18,000 to £60,000, with no fundraising opportunity too big or too small. As crew Martin has made everyone who has walked through the lifeboat station doors feel welcomed, supported and part of the team as well as leading his crew on many shouts over hisMartin has been at the heart of the community in Lytham St Annes.
Notes to editors
Photo credit: Nigel Millard
For more information please contact the RNLI Press Office on tel: 01202 336789
Key facts about the RNLI
The Royal National Lifeboat Institution is the charity that saves lives at sea. Our volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service in the United Kingdom and Ireland from 238 lifeboat stations, including four along the River Thames and inland lifeboat stations at Loch Ness, Lough Derg, Enniskillen, Carrybridge and Lough Ree. Additionally the RNLI has more than 1,000 lifeguards on over 240 beaches around the UK and operates a specialist flood rescue team, which can respond anywhere across the UK and Ireland when inland flooding puts lives at risk.
The RNLI relies on public donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. As a charity it is separate from, but works alongside, government-controlled and funded coastguard services. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824 our lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved at least 140,000 lives. Volunteers make up 95% of the charity, including 4,600 volunteer lifeboat crew members and 3,000 volunteer shore crew. Additionally, tens of thousands of other dedicated volunteers raise funds and awareness, give safety advice, and help in our museums, shops and offices.
