New Quay hero boy receives the highest accolade from Blue Peter
Yesterday New Quay RNLI’s Coxswain Daniel Potter presented local boy Steffan Williams with the highly prestigious gold Blue Peter badge for assisting in two rescues a few years ago.
Steffan had written to the BBC children’s programme last year telling them what had happened in the last week of his summer school holidays when he rescued people stuck on the rocks twice.
The badge is the show’s highest accolade and famous recipients include the Queen and Sir David Attenborough. Only a handful of gold badges are presented each year to outstanding individuals who are considered to be inspiring to the nation’s children.
Steffan, a year 7 Ysgol Bro Teifi pupil said, “I was only 8 years old when I rescued people from the rocks, the first time was with my kayak and dingy in the day but the second time that week was more dangerous and serious when I found two boys stuck on the same rocks but it was getting dark quickly and the tide was rising fast. They were cold and hungry and supposed to be back with their parents in their caravan but had no battery left on their mobiles to ask for help. So I went back to the pier and told my parents and we called 999 and asked for the Coastguard. The lifeboat was launched and got them to safety.
“I am so shocked and really proud to receive the Blue Peter Gold badge as it’s so special. It’s even better to receive it from my hero Daniel Potter as when I am 17 I want to join the crew and then work towards being the youngest Coxswain in the UK.”
A Blue Peter spokesperson said, “For Steffan’s quick thinking, bravery and for helping others we’re awarding him our highest honour which is a Gold Blue Peter Badge!”
The RNLI is the charity that saves lives at sea and relies on volunteers to provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the coasts of the UK and Ireland.
Daniel Potter, New Quay RNLI Coxswain said, “We are very proud of Steffan. He did the right thing and called for help for the young boys stuck on the rocks. He is a lifeboat crewman in the making. Remember if you are in trouble or see anyone in difficulty call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.”
Notes to editors
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
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