Blyth RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager receives high praise for their work

At The Chapel of St. Francis Xavier, Cheeseburn Grange Hall, Northumberland on the 20 February, Barry Pearson's dedication to the RNLI was recognised. He was nominated for this award by ex RNLI volunteer Adam Pickering.

The citation read at the ceremony stated 'Barry's dedication to the RNLI goes back decades to 1979 when he was a crew member at the Blyth station. He worked on trawlers as a fisherman for many years where his seafaring skills were second to none. When he took the position as Launch Authority. His quick thinking determined which boats to use for each rescue, taking into account the nature of the call, the weather conditions, and the area of the rescue. He then became the Lifeboat Operations Manager. His many hours each week have been dedicated to managing the station and the crew, acting as their mentor through difficult times, especially after body recoveries. He sits at the top of the tree in respect of fundraising and all aspects of running the station. He is a natural leader, and much loved by his team. Barry has recently retired, and we wish him well for the future, and thank him for his selfless devotion over many, many years.'

Commenting on receiving his award Barry said, 'It's been a privilege to be play my part in saving lives at sea over the years in various volunteer roles within the RNLI. I've on the whole enjoyed my time although there has been plenty of challenges over the years and specially of late with the pandemic.It's been a difficult decision to step down as Lifeboat Operations Manager but feel the time is right for me and for someone new to takeover the role. I look forward to spending more time with my wife and have replaced my yellow wellies with a camper van so different adventures to be had.'

Carl Harris, Area Lifesaving Manager at the RNLI said, 'On behalf of the RNLI and in particular everyone connected with the Lifeboat Station at Blyth, I'd like to thank Barry for his years of service and all the efforts that he has put into the various roles he has undertaken with the charity.I know that the last few years have been particularly challenging and his support to the station has been immense.We all hope now that you have hung up your lifejacket and yellow wellies that you'll enjoy your spare time with Julie.'

From all at Blyth RNLI thank you for all your time over the years and imparting your knowledge to the volunteer crew. Good luck for the future and no doubt you'll be popping in for a cuppa with the day job just being next door.

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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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