Founding members of South Bristol RNLI branch awarded long service recognition

Volunteers are the heart of the RNLI and make up 95% of our people. The founding members of South Bristol RNLI branch have been committed to raising awareness of the charity for 25 years – organising events, arranging fundraising activity and having a passion for saving lives at sea.

Lin Hunt has been the treasurer of the branch since the beginning, and her husband Bob Hunt is a keen model maker. Bob has also supported the branch in many ways over the years, including being the main point of contact for deliveries and any RNLI stores equipment.

Alan Collier is the current vice-chairman and box secretary at the branch alongside his wife Hilary who was the secretary. Unfortunately, due to ill health Hilary has stepped down from this role but is still thoroughly involved with the branch supporting events and helping at collections.

Paul Churchill was the souvenir secretary and later became the branch chairman in 1998.

Gemma Baker, RNLI community manager says, ‘They are ordinary people doing extraordinary things for the charity and the RNLI is so grateful for their commitment and dedication.

‘Volunteers at branches such as theirs, operating up and down the country, increases vital donations to fund the training, development and equipment required for lifeboat crews and lifeguards to continue saving lives.’

Notes to editors

• Please find attached photos of South Bristol RNLI branch members: Paul, Hilary, Alan, Lin and Bob
• To become an RNLI volunteer, please follow this link: https://rnli.org/support-us/become-a-volunteer
• To make a donation, please follow this link: https://rnli.org/support-us/give-money/donate

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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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