Long Service Awards for Hartlepool RNLI volunteers

Hartlepool Coxswain Robbie Maiden, Lifeboat Operations Manager Mike Craddy and admin officer Tommy Price are set to receive awards for their time as volunteers at the Ferry Road lifeboat station.

Lifeboat Operations Manager Mike Craddy who is receiving an award for his 20 years at the station said: ‘My job has been made very easy by the invaluable support of the crew at the station.

The retired 66 year old went on to say: ‘Being involved in some memorable rescues over the years has made the job of saving lives at sea extremely worthwhile and it's been a privilege working with both Robbie Maiden, Tommy Price and the crew at the boathouse, just working alongside the volunteers has been amazing for their selfless dedication and bravery.

'I am very proud of the volunteers here and the service we provide. This award is most welcome and I am looking forward to the event’.

Lifeboat admin officer 72 year old Tommy Price said: 'Thirty years ago two good friends of mine, Ian Galbraith and Ossie Rennie who were already on the crew here suggested I came down and joined up and now 30 years later I still enjoy volunteering for the institution’.

Looking back at his time spent with the RNLI Tommy recalIs being aboard the Scout lifeboat when it capsized back in 1993 as a ‘momentous occasion’ and the numerous rescues he has taken part in over the years.

‘Overall it’s been a very satisfying experience playing a part in possibly saving someone’s life or simply helping people in trouble at sea. I am really looking forward to the presentation day’.

Fifty year old Hartlepool RNLI Coxswain Robbie Maiden who is set to receive his 30 year award said: ‘The lifeboat has been a tradition in the Maiden family for many years with my dad Robbie and brother Ian being part of the crew for many years.

I clearly remember joining, my mam signed my papers at the time’.

Recalling some of the events over the years Robbie highlights the day the Scout lifeboat capsized and being thrown overboard as a ‘memorable event’.

‘I think I could write a book about some of the rescues I have been involved in but without a doubt simply helping people who are in trouble at sea is extremely rewarding.

'The dedicated volunteer crew we have at Hartlepool have a high standard of training, equipment and technology supplied by the institution to help save lives at sea.

'I am really looking forward to the presentation at Leeds it’s always good to catch up with both old and new friends’.

RNLI Picture caption

Hartlepool RNLI volunteers(left to right) Tommy Price, Robbie Maiden and Mike Craddy who are to receive long service awards.

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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.

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