Recognition for Scarborough RNLI crew member for going the extra mile

Mark Jenkinson will visit the Spa next Tuesday (18 May) to be presented with a commendation by borough mayor Hazel Lynskey.

Councillor Lynskey explains: 'Last year, during the first lockdown, I asked residents to support my initiative in recognising the amazing, selfless work of so many during the extraordinary times we were experiencing to give personal recognition to individuals, households, groups or organisations who had gone that extra mile.'

Mark, an emergency-care assistant with Yorkshire Ambulance Service, has been a volunteer on the charity's all-weather Shannon class lifeboat for four years.

Last year, the tables were dramatically turned on him when he had Covid-19 and suddenly found himself on the receiving end of the NHS.

His symptoms included a high temperature, a persistent cough, lethargy, the loss of his sense of taste and smell, and he felt as if he couldn’t get enough air in his lungs.

He was treated at Scarborough Hospital’s A&E department and was out of action, in quarantine, until 3 June, when he returned to work and resumed his lifeboat duties, on call.

As a result, Mark’s plasma developed the antibodies which fight the virus and he was asked by the NHS blood centre to donate some.

He said: 'I went to Leeds to donate convalescent plasma in the hope of helping others suffering from Covid-19.'

Mark doesn't know who nominated him for the award, except that it was one of his Facebook friends.

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RNLI Media Contact

For details, ring Scarborough RNLI Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer Dave Barry on 07890322992.

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.