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Happy 90th Birthday to lifelong RNLI volunteer Ada.

Lifeboats News Release

Ada Myers, 90 today (6 July 2023) began donating to the charity at just eight years old.

Ada at her birthday celebrations at Whitby Lifeboat Station.

RNLI/Ceri Oakes

Ada at her birthday celebrations at Whitby Lifeboat Station.

Ada would sell her unwanted toys and then drop the money into her local collection box and continued to support the RNLI to this day.

Ada officially registered as a volunteer around 27 years ago, joining the Ladies Lifeboat Guild as it was then known, which then became the Friends of Whitby Lifeboat, as it is still known today.

A familiar face in the town, Ada is well know for donning her traditional Staithes bonnet. Each Regatta Saturday you'll find her on Whitby's 199 steps as members of the public leave coins on each step, a tradition that has been running for many years.

Ada is no stranger to the lifeboat station and crew, often bringing her famous home-baking along to events such as the annual flag weekend.

Back in 2013 Ada received a gold medal for her long commitment to the charity.

In May on the weekend of the King's Coronation when the Lifeboat crew and volunteers were gathered at the station for a BBQ they suprised Ada with an early birthday presentation. Ada was presented with a cake and a bunch of flowers.

Maria Taylor, Chair of the friends of Whitby Lifeboat said: 'Ada is an absolute inspiration, still volunteering at 90 years old is an incredible achievement. Myself and the other volunteers wish her the happiest of birthdays.'

Coxswain of Whitby Lifeboat, Howard Fields said: 'Here at Whitby RNLI we are one crew, one family, we couldn't operate without our amazing fundraisers and Ada is a big part of our lifeboat family. We all wish her a happy birthday and thank her for her many years of dedication to the charity.'

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

Crew member Geoff Hodgson presents Ada with flowers from the crew.

RNLI/Ceri Oakes

Crew member Geoff Hodgson presents Ada with flowers from the crew.

RNLI/Ceri Oakes

Ada in her Staithes Bonnet.

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.

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