Special award for Hunstanton RNLI volunteer who is ‘an absolute star’

The special Mayor’s Achievement Award was presented to Kate Craven, visits officer at Hunstanton RNLI Station by the Norfolk town’s mayor, Mike Ruston.

Kate was nominated by fellow volunteer Carol Smith for her work with Stormforce – a club which teaches children about water safety.

‘Kate is the most amazing and enthusiastic woman I have had the pleasure to volunteer with,’ she said.

‘In 2016, she started Stormforce at the RNLI station in Hunstanton. This is a kids’ club which runs during the school holidays.

‘Open to locals and visitors, children can bring their family with them to learn all about sea safety and the RNLI.

‘Since 2016 Kate has taught thousands of people the RNLI sea safety message. She also runs visits for schools and local children's clubs.

‘She is an absolute star for all her hard work as a volunteer. I am incredibly proud of her.’

Presenting the award on behalf of Hunstanton Town Council, Mr Ruston said: ‘Kate’s dedication is quite phenomenal.

‘You’ve got seven years of educating lots and lots of young children and their families about sea safety.’

Kate said: ‘It’s lovely for the work we’ve been doing for the community to be acknowledged.’

Notes to editors

· Please find a picture of Kate Craven receiving her award from Hunstanton Mayor, Mike Ruston and a picture of Kate with Mr Ruston, fellow RNLI volunteers and family members at the presentation at Hunstanton Town Hall. Please credit Tony Bishopp/Hunstanton Town Council.

· There’s also an image of Kate Craven doing a radio interview at Hunstanton Lifeboat Station. Please credit Chris Bishop/Hunstanton RNLI.

· Stormforce is running at the lifeboat station, on Sea Lane on Sundays from July 23 – August 29 (10.30am).

· Youngsters can meet the lifeboat crew, see the lifeboat and hovercraft, become a sea safety champion and get a book and a badge to take away.

· Suggested donation £2 (bring a grown-up).

RNLI media contacts

For more information please call Chris Bishop, Hunstanton RNLI volunteer Deputy Lifeboat Press Officer on 07584 147219 or Clare Hopps, Regional Media Officer on 07824 518641.

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.

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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.