Tributes to Dedicated Lifeboat Lady
Holyhead lifeboat station are sad to announce that Mrs. Mabel Self MBE, a much-loved local lady, who served the RNLI and local community for decades, passed away peacefully on Thursday morning (April 19th) after a short period of ill health.
Mabel, who was 96 years old, had only recently stepped down from her duties at the station shop, where she had been a dedicated volunteer since it opened in 2005 (and before that she fulfilled many other duties).
Mabel started her fundraising for the charity almost 50 years ago, and over the decades she became a much-loved member of not just the lifeboat station, but the community as a whole. Her dedication to the RNLI was second to none. She received an MBE for her services to the Holyhead Ladies Lifeboat Guild, and was also made an Honorary Life Governor of the RNLI for her tireless commitment to the charity over so many years.
Holyhead coxswain Tony Price described her as ‘a fantastic part of the team here’ and commended her for her ‘long and valuable service.’ He remembered how, in her 70’s, she travelled across to a fundraising event in nearby Llanfwrog in the inshore lifeboat, and loved every second! She never lost her zest for life; last October, aged 95, she travelled with members of the crew to Barmouth, for the naming of their new lifeboat, named after crewman Craig Steadman, who tragically lost his life in a road accident.
Mabel was also famed for her kindness and wonderful catering skills; from her yearly buffets for the crew on New Year’s Day, to her famous bara brith.
The RNLI’s regional manager Stuart Wallace said:
‘I know how much a part of the Holyhead Lifeboat family she was and my thoughts are very much with her family and the Holyhead lifeboat family.’
The RNLI flag at the station was lowered to fly at half-mast as a mark of respect.
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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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.