RNLI volunteers recognised for commitment to charity

Robbie Maiden, Tommy Price and Mike Craddy received their long service badges at the Ferry Road lifeboat station to commemorate the milestone.

Offshore client representative Robbie Maiden, 50, said: ‘I have actually served a little more than 30 years on the crew. I joined when I was 17, but had been a regular at the boathouse long before that as my dad was on the crew.

'I still thoroughly enjoy being part of the crew. It’s like having a second family but most important of all is playing a part in saving someone’s life or simply helping people who are in trouble at sea. My time here has been, and still is, a very rewarding experience.'

Retired print room technician Mike Craddy, 60, said: '20 years is quite a milestone in my time with the RNLI. I have seen many changes in both technology and the fantastic standard of training that the institute provide.

'Having such dedicated crew members over the years has helped make my job running the station very satisfying. I joined the RNLI to give something back and it has been an immensely satisfying job over the years.’

Retired Tommy Price, 72, has been a member of the lifeboat crew for 30 years and is now an admin assistant at the station. Tommy said: ‘Overall it has been a very enjoyable experience, playing a small or large part in helping people in trouble at sea is what being part of the RNLI is all about.

'Another nice aspect of the RNLI is watching the new volunteers develop their skills and make their way through the ranks to become coxswains and helms, and knowing that one day they will be out at sea to help save someone’s life.'

RNLI media contact

For more information please telephone Tom Collins, Hartlepool RNLI Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer on 07896 793557

Picture caption: Hartlepool RNLI volunteers (left to right) Tommy Price, Mike Craddy and Robbie Maiden with their long service badges and fellow volunteer crew members.

Key facts about the RNLI

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.

Learn more about the RNLI

For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, X, TikTok and YouTube. News releases, videos and photos are available on the News Centre.

Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries

Members of the public may contact the RNLI on 0300 300 9990 (UK) or 1800 991802 (Ireland) or by email.