
RNLI Port Talbot have two newlyweds on call this Christmas
The Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) is launching its annual Christmas fundraising appeal, with a focus on families who have volunteered their time and commitment 24/7, 365 days a year, to ensure the charity’s lifesaving service which celebrated its 200th anniversary back in March.
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 Gardner family from RNLI Port Talbot, these stories will involve saving lives at sea for the first time as a married couple.
Port Talbot RNLI Volunteer crew members Louise and Haydn Gardner got married back in October of this year. They have collectively been volunteering with RNLI Port Talbot for over 10 years. Louise used to be a lifeguard in Porthcawl when she was younger and now loves her role of launch vehicle driver and husband Haydn is currently working through the tractor driver training plan and also holds the position of Fire Marshall and Liaison officer for the station.
Louise said:
‘Being a small part of helping to save someone's life is something I am proud of and even more so at Christmas with the knowledge that we can help return loved ones home where they belong.
'Being husband and wife we have come up with a plan that if the pager goes off on Christmas Day Haydn will do the first 12 hours on call and I will do the second half of the day, for every other day we will take it in turns as each call is important’.
Haydn joined Port Talbot RNLI back in 2016 to give something back to the community and to be part of a team. Haydn said:
'Every call we attend is different and no two shouts are the same. I will be on call on Christmas morning making my wife available to spend time with the children in case we hear that pager go off and then in the afternoon she will take over.'
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 their families.
A Christmas gift to the RNLI this winter will help crews be prepared and protected and is a unique way to say thank you for giving up their Christmas time to save others.
To make a donation to the RNLI’s Christmas Appeal, and enable the charity to continue its lifesaving work, visit: RNLI.org/WinterAppeal
In addition to making a donation, why not stop by our station gift shop which is open seven days a week and is located at our station. We have a wide range of gift available which would be a perfect stock filler for friends and family.
RNLI Media Contacts
For more information please contact Port Talbot RNLI Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer, Kirstee David on [email protected] or Claire Fitzpatrick-Smith, Regional Communications Manager on [email protected] or 07977 728 315.
Alternatively, you can contact the RNLI Press Office on [email protected] or 01202 336789.
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.