Whitby RNLI volunteers save the day for wedding couple

Ian and Angie Jowitt from Barnsley were planning to secretly get married in Whitby when they realised they needed two witnesses to sign the register.

As supporters of the RNLI they decided to get in touch to see whether any of the volunteers at Whitby could help.

Volunteer Ally Brisby was first to put her hand up as being from Barnsley herself originally she thought it was simply meant to be, and publican Ian Taylor agreed to go along too.

The pair attended the couples wedding, and made the day official by signing the register as their witnesses. They then spent some time with the pair at the lifeboat station and at Ian’s pub the Endeavour.

RNLI volunteer Ian said “We had a fabulous day with the couple, we thoroughly enjoyed the wedding ceremony and it was an honour to be their witnesses. Also thank you very much to the pair who kindly offered to make a donation to the RNLI”

The newly married couple Ian and Angie said: ‘They were amazing people, fabulous hosts and become friends forever. RNLI saved our day and made it simply wonderful.’

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.