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Presentations made at Staithes and Runswick RNLI Christmas gathering

Lifeboats News Release

Anna Heslop, RNLI Regional Operations Lead North and East, attended the gathering of volunteers for Staithes and Runswick RNLI to officially present a certificate of service and long service medals to the volunteers.

RNLI/James Stoker

Celebrating volunteers cutting the cake during the Christmas crew gathering
The evening at The Captain Cook Inn in Staithes on 13 December 2024 was a way to thank volunteers at every level in Staithes and Runswick RNLI and their loved-ones for their dedication.

It saw the presentation of a certificate of service to former crew member at Staithes and Runswick and Humber RNLI, Drew Baxter. Medals were also presented to Liz Wilson, Patricia Hutchinson and Stewart Porritt who were celebrating their 20th, 30th and 50th years volunteering with the charity respectively.

Drew Baxter joined the crew at Staithes and Runswick RNLI in 1999, becoming a helm in 2007 and mechanic in 2011. In the same year Drew joined the crew on the all-weather lifeboat at Humber. Over the years, Drew's dedication played a vital role in saving lives at sea. During his time with the RNLI, he was involved in the rescue of 28 lives. At the ceremony, Anna Heslop, who presented Drew with his certificate of service, expressed her heartfelt gratitude, saying: 'I owe a lot to Drew. He taught me how to drive an Atlantic B class lifeboat. We honour Drew for his many years of dedicated service today.'

Patricia Hutchinson, awarded her 30 year service medal, described herself as being ‘roped into the ladies guild.’

Since then, she has dedicated countless hours to the RNLI, now serving as shop manager. As a supportive wife and mother, she has volunteered alongside her husband Sean, the station's Lifeboat Operations Manager, and son Luke, a helm and mechanic. Presenting the medal, Anna Heslop said: ‘We know how much families sacrifice in support of the RNLI, and the part Patricia has played behind the pager too; we recognise her today for her years of dedication and efforts.’

Liz Wilson was presented with her 20 year service medal and Stewart Porritt with his 50 year service medal during the event.

Many types of volunteer involved in the RNLI lifeboat station attended, including; boat crew, shore crew, station management and shop volunteers, along with their loved-ones. All celebrating the festive period and the dedication of fellow volunteers, including an RNLI cake which was cut by the volunteers celebrating their service to the charity that saves lives at sea.

Anna closed the presentation: 'thank you to all, especially the families who are heroes in their own right, and without whom the RNLI wouldn't be possible. Your continued dedication to the RNLI and serving the Staithes community is nothing short of amazing.'

If you would like to discuss volunteering at Staithes and Runswick RNLI lifeboat please email the station at: [email protected]

Notes to Editors
Staithes and Runswick RNLI lifeboat has been in operation since 1978 with Atlantic B-Class inshore lifeboats (ILB’s). The present ILB at the station B-897 Sheila and Dennis Tongue III has been on station since 2016.

The RNLI is the charity which saves lives at sea. In 2024, the RNLI is celebrating 200 years - and counting, commemorating this remarkable past, celebrating our lifesaving achievements today, and inspiring a future where we can save every one. More information on RNLI 200 can be found at https://rnli.org/about-us/our-history/2024

RNLI media contacts
For further information, please contact James Stoker, RNLI volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer at: [email protected] or Clare Hopps, RNLI Regional Communications Manager (North and East) on 07824 518641 or, [email protected] or contact the RNLI Press Office on 01202 336789.

RNLI/James Stoker

Anna Heslop presenting Drew Baxter with his certificate of service

RNLI/James Stoker

Anna Heslop presenting Patricia Hutchinson with her 30 year service medal

RNLI/James Stoker

Celebrating volunteers cutting the specially made RNLI cake during the celebration

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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