
Port Talbot RNLI have two generations of lifesavers on call this Christmas
The Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) is launching its annual Christmas fundraising appeal, with a focus on the generations of families who have volunteered their time and commitment 24/7, 365 days a year, to ensure the charity’s lifesaving service has continued for nearly 200 years.
On average, RNLI lifeboats launch over 100 times during the Christmas period every year. Whatever weather winter throws at them, RNLI crews are ready to battle the elements to save lives at sea. These rescues, and others all year round, are only made possible by the RNLI’s generous supporters, helping to fund the essential kit, training and equipment needed by lifeboat crews.
Christmas is a time for family and, for many, a time for sharing stories of times and generations past. For the Morris family from Port Talbot RNLI, these stories will involve saving lives at sea.
Port Talbot RNLI Volunteer Crew Member, Joe Morris, joined the team earlier in the year after serving with the RNLI lifeguards for quite some time. For Joe, this will be his first Christmas on call but for his dad Clive, Lifeboat Operations Manager at the station, he will be heading into his 40th Christmas on call.
Joe said: ‘With dad being in the emergency services when I was growing up I got used to opening my gifts at 3am before he went onto shift. Dad has inspired me to join the crew, hearing about the lifeboat and the team was a big part of my childhood and I have gotten used to the sound of the pager going off.
'I am excited to be part of the Port Talbot RNLI team and to be part of a new generation of lifesavers’.
Dad Clive said: ‘I am delighted that Joe has joined the crew, I am honoured that he is following in my footsteps carrying on the family tradition. It would be great to see him volunteering for the next 40 years and inspiring future generations’.
'We do count on our volunteers and supporters. As volunteer lifeboat crew we couldn't launch without kind donations from the public which fund the kit, training and equipment we need to save others and return home safely to our own families.'
To make a donation to the RNLI’s Christmas Appeal, and enable the charity to continue its lifesaving work, visit: RNLI.org/WinterAppeal.
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, 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.