Excellence in Volunteering Award goes to Lough Derg RNLI Volunteer

The award recognises the special contribution of RNLI volunteers who have gone the extra mile, who make a difference whether they are outstanding ambassadors or unsung heroes who quietly ensure the success of every RNLI venture.

Niamh Stephenson RNLI Media Relations Manager travelled to Lough Derg to present an unsuspecting Eleanor with her award in front of the volunteer lifeboat crew, fundraisers, station management and their families. Below are extracts from the speech given before the presentation.

‘Eleanor Hooker was the Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer at Lough Derg RNLI for eleven years. In that time she has done an incredible job in raising the profile of the inland lifeboat station and bringing the wonderful work of the volunteer lifeboat crew to the attention of the wider community.’

‘Eleanor’s great gift as a lifeboat press officer was her empathy to the people rescued or in some sad cases recovered by the lifeboat crew. In all her communications she always conveyed the news of the lifeboat in a way that was respectful of the people they came into contact with and their families who were waiting for news. Her unfailing kindness and manner made her an incredible member of the media team and she was respected by all her colleagues.’

‘ When the crew were in from a call out, often with Eleanor being Helm, she would stay behind to write up the press release or edit the footage from the lifeboat camera, if she had it. In doing this she made sure the news was current.’

‘She is one of the RNLI people that people ask about if when you are travelling around Ireland for the lifeboats. She has spoken passionately about her role on the crew on national and local media and mixes humour with the tougher aspects of search and rescue, always being respectful and mindful of her audience.

You would often hear of her following up with a casualty that was rescued, checking in on them if they were visitors to Lough Derg, to see if they had everything they needed. I’m extremely relieved that we haven’t lost her to the RNLI as she remains on as Helm.’

Ends

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.