
Wells RNLI volunteer is 'proud' every time she goes to sea
Mandy Humphreys has been volunteering for the RNLI at Wells-next-the sea station for four years. She was inspired by her mother, who herself has been an education volunteer and fundraiser at Newbiggin-by-the-sea lifeboat station for over 50 years.
When Mandy made the move to Norfolk and was thinking of approaching the Wells RNLI to join as a volunteer, she chatted with her mum about her concerns that she would not have the strength to pass some of the tests.
Mandy says: 'I remember my mam telling me you're a Northumbrian lass like Grace Darling. She was smaller than you, and she managed to save nine lives by herself!’
This was the encouragement she needed and Mandy has been a valued crew member ever since.
As well as being a part of the station’s inshore and all-weather lifeboat crew, Mandy does a lot of water safety work. She works with local schools and organisations to educate local communities to prevent people getting into danger in the water, and to give the knowledge and understanding of what to do if they find themselves in danger in or around the water. Mandy thinks it’s a great way of saving lives at sea without getting wet.
Mandy’s passion for her role is quite obvious. When talking to her, she describes being 'so proud her heart almost bursts with pride every time she goes out on a shout.'
She says: ‘I've been asked a lot whether I ever get scared. I'm scared every time I go out! My Gran used to say, ‘being scared and doing it anyway is the definition of courage.’
Mandy believes you've got to be the change you want to see in the world.
RNLI Media contacts
For more information please contact Jess Curtis, RNLI volunteer Deputy Press Officer: [email protected] or on: 07860200790.
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.
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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.