Port Talbot RNLI celebrates ‘ Excellence in Volunteering’
William (Mel) Cooper has received an Excellence in Volunteering award in recognition of 23 years of fundraising for the station.
On Sunday 30 October a ceremony was held at the Port Talbot Lifeboat station to honour a very special fundraiser Mel Cooper. Mel has for over 23 years held the position of volunteer crew, shore crew, tractor driver, fundraiser and Lifeboat Press Officer.
Mel retired from his role of Press Officer and Fundraising Secretary back in March 2022 to spend more time with his family.
Lifeboat Operations Manager Clive Morris said:
‘I could not let Mel leave the RNLI without him being recognised for the sheer hard work that he has put into his role of fundraiser’.
The Excellence in Volunteering Award is given to persons who demonstrate outstanding commitment to the RNLI. Members of the RNLI council sat and bestowed this prestigious award, recognising a volunteer's hard work and dedication to fundraising to help raise funds to save lives at sea.
Clive Morris, Lifeboat Operations Manager continued:
'I would like to thank Mel personally for the support that he has provided to the station and the volunteer crew. Mel has contributed to many roles over the years however this award highlights his outstanding contribution to fundraising’
Mel said that he was: 'delighted to be nominated for this award from the Director of Fundraising, it was a huge surprise and very much appreciated’.
As a charity we are reliant on voluntary donations to power our lifesaving work, the thousands of pounds raised by Mel via various fundraising events are much needed. If anyone can support us by taking part in an organised fundraising event or are looking to plan one of your own we would be extremely grateful for the help and support.
As well as fundraising opportunities we have shop volunteer positions available throughout the year. Please contact the station if you would like to know more about the opportunities that are available.
Media contacts
For more information please contact Kirstee David, volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer on [email protected] or or Claire Elshaw Regional Media Officer on 07468 353 082 or [email protected] Alternatively, call the RNLI Press Office on 01202 336789 or email [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 142,700 lives.
Learn more about the RNLI
For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, Twitter 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.