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Dedicated Whitby volunteers receive RNLI long service awards.

Lifeboats News Release

The awards were presented at a regional event at Castle Howard in North Yorkshire.

Crew members Richard Dowson and Lee Harland stand beside a giant yellow welly

RNLI

Crew members Richard Dowson and Lee Harland
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Fundraisers Betty Bayliss and Cynthia Walker who have tirelessly raised money for Whitby RNLI received badges for 20 years of volunteering.

The pair have been committed members of the Friends of Whitby Lifeboat, organising and participating in many events over the years which have helped provide the charity with vital equipment and training.

Whitby RNLI's Coxswain Howard Fields said: Our family of fundraisers are as much a part of the RNLI as the crew, without them we simply wouldn't be able to operate and we are very grateful for all the time they give to the charity. Congratulations Betty and Cynthia.'

Two of Whitby's lifeboat crew members also received long service awards. Volunteer crew member Lee Harland joined the crew at 19, with over 22 years service under his belt, the RNLI were able to celebrate his award after a delay during the pandemic.

Station mechanic Richard Dowson also received an award for 20 years service. He said: 'It was great to be able to celebrate with our families and other RNLI volunteers. In 20 years your fellow volunteers become like family, so it was great to attend the event with Lee as well as the FOWLs Betty and Cynthia.'

For more information contact Lifeboat Press Officer Ceri Oakes on 07813359428 or at [email protected]

RNLI/Ceri Oakes

Betty Bayliss with fellow volunteer Rosie Jones and RNLI's Sue Barnes who presented the award.
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Richard Dowson with his 20 years long service badge
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RNLI

A silver long service badge
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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.

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.

About the author

Ceri Oakes
Lifeboat Press Officer, Whitby Lifeboat Station

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