Ruth Quillin-Creamer, Chair of Port St Mary RNLI’s Fundraising Guild, has been recognised as one of the thirty impressive young people making their mark on the Isle of Man in this year’s 30 Under 30 awards run by Gef.
Highlighting the next generation of island leaders, Gef’s 30 Under 30 list recognises talented young people (aged 18-29) whose achievements, talents, and contribution to the Manx community deserve recognition and elevation.
Ruth who’s 21 years-old, has been Port St Mary RNLI’s Fundraising Chair since October 2023. She’s been announced as a winner in the ‘Leadership’ category of this year’s list.
As a fundraising chair, Ruth leads the team of volunteer RNLI fundraisers at Port St Mary Lifeboat Station. Co-ordinating and planning events that will raise the profile of the station’s lifesaving work, as well as drum up support and donations to help fund the lifeboat service – which is entirely dependent on donations from the public.
Ruth said:
‘It’s a huge honour to be named on the 30 Under 30 list this year. I’ve loved stepping into the fundraising chair role with Port St Mary RNLI, a station I have a deep personal connection with.
‘I come from a lifesaving family as my grandad Norman Quillin was the Coxswain/Mechanic of the Port St Mary lifeboat. My great uncle, Eric Quillin, was the Mechanic in the 90s and throughout that time many of the women in my family were heavily involved in the fundraising side of things – in what was known then as the “Ladies Guild”.
‘I wanted to follow in their footsteps and join the RNLI, so I could do my bit for the charity that saves lives at sea powered by the kindness and dedication of its volunteers and supporters.’
Gef’s 30 Under 30 champions the island’s rising stars and will provide the winners with a digital, social media, and print campaign that will elevate their hard work and contribution to the island to a wider audience.
Dani Beckett, RNLI Community Manager for the Isle of Man said:
‘Ruth is one of our youngest fundraising chairs and her tenacity and enthusiasm to drive engagement and much needed funds to help our volunteer lifeboat crews go to sea and save lives is unwavering.
‘Ruth’s been such an energetic force for good since taking over the role of chair and I can’t wait to see where she takes it. All our RNLI volunteers deserve recognition for the time and energy they selflessly give to enable us to save lives at sea.
‘So I’m delighted Ruth’s being recognised for her hard work. She’s a fantastic ambassador for the RNLI and a role model to other young people wanting to make a positive impact in their local communities.
‘We’re always looking for more young people to volunteer for the RNLI, as they bring their own set of skills, experience and perspective and are often full of creative ideas about how we can have an even greater impact.
‘If you’re interested in joining you can pop down to your local lifeboat station or fundraising branch, or check out the RNLI website at:
www.rnli.org/volunteer’.
This year also marks a special moment for the RNLI, that was founded on the Isle of Man, as the charity is celebrating 200 years of saving lives at sea. Ruth added:
‘To get this recognition for my RNLI volunteering in our bicentenary year is really special, I hope I can inspire other young people to come and volunteer for this amazing charity and be the next generation to continue our lifesaving legacy here in the Isle of Man and beyond.’
RNLI media contacts
For more information please contact Claire Fitzpatrick-Smith, Regional Communications Manager on
[email protected] or 07977 728315, or contact the RNLI Press Office on 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 142,700 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.
