Three Larne RNLI volunteer fundraisers recognised for combined 70 years of long
Three members of Larne RNLI’s fundraising committee who between them have volunteered for a combined 70 years, have been awarded with long service medals recognising their contribution to saving lives at sea.
Pamela McAuley, Esther Dorman and Stephen Craig were presented with their long service medals ahead of the re-opening of the Larne lifeboat Christmas shop in the Murrayfield arcade.
Recalling why she got involved with the charity, Pamela, who is the chair of Larne RNLI’s fundraising committee, said: ‘My family have always been keen sailors being involved with a local sailing club. I thought it seemed a good way to give something back to a charity that is always ready and willing to answer every call for help at sea.’
Stephen said: ‘I got asked to help out with a fashion show that the fundraisers put on in the autumn of 1998 and enjoyed helping out. It wasn’t until 1999 that I officially joined as a volunteer. I have been a lifelong sailor with a particular interest in sea safety and with prior work commitments I would have found it difficult to commit as a crew member, however volunteering with the fundraisers was a suitable alternative.’
Esther who is the secretary of the fundraising committee and has been volunteering for the RNLI for 30 years, added: ‘Like Stephen and Pam, my family has been involved with Larne RNLI now for many years, with my brother, nephew and niece all being volunteers. I’m happy to be involved with fundraising as I feel I’m supporting a worthwhile cause.’
Larne RNLI’s pop-up Christmas shop is back this year in the Murrayfield arcade in Larne. The shop is open every Wednesday, Friday and Saturday from 10am - 4pm.
ENDS
RNLI media contacts
For more information please telephone Steven Lee, Larne RNLI volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer on 07753274490 or [email protected] or Nuala McAloon, Regional Media Officer on 00353 876483547 or [email protected] or Niamh Stephenson, Regional Media Manager on 00353 871254124 or [email protected]
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.