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Wicklow RNLI bids farewell to Mary Aldridge

Lifeboats News Release

On Friday evening (13 September) Mary Aldridge joined lifeboat crew, operations team, fundraising volunteers, family, and friends at Wicklow Sailing Club for a special event to celebrate her retirement as Lifeboat Operations Manager.

RNLI/Tommy Dover

Coxswain Nick Keogh presenting Mary Aldridge with a gift from the lifeboat crew

To mark Mary’s retirement, Coxswain Nick Keogh presented a gift from the crew, speaking at the event he said: “Best of luck in retirement again Mary, it was a pleasure working with you, on behalf of all at Wicklow RNLI enjoy all your free time and the camper van.”

John Hayden of the Fundraising branch presented Mary with a framed collage of photographs as a memento of her time at Wicklow RNLI.

Speaking about her time at Wicklow RNLI Mary Aldridge said:” On 29th June 2017, my Mam died. I was only a few months in the station as a Launch Authority. I was in Naas at the wake, and a friend sent me a picture of the station flag at half-mast in Wicklow. That meant so much to me, and I knew that Wicklow Lifeboat would become an important part of my life. Leila Aldridge is proudly remembered, and her name displayed on Clifden Lifeboat.

During my time as a launch Authority and Lifeboat Operations Manager, we had some difficult shouts. The boats were out for long hours searching and recovering in some cases, and in some cases not. The lives saved and the comfort to families was rewarding. The willingness of volunteers to turn out at all times is what we do. Sometimes, it was just the bare crew, but the boat always went.

It is families, partners, and kids that I want to thank. Without their support and love, we could not do what we do. It was great over the past seven and a half years to see your kids growing up and, in some cases, joining the crew and fundraising team. To the crew and fundraisers no longer with us, We remember them.
Best wishes to the new Lifeboat Operations Manager Joe Healy, I know he will do a great job with the support of you all. It was an honour to serve with you all”

Tributes were paid to Mary across Social media pages, with Girvan Hickey of the Fundraising branch posting. “Congratulations on your retirement Mary and every best wish for the future. Thank you for all you have done, your dedication and support for all members. You did everything with a smile.”

Wicklow RNLI want to thank Mary Aldridge sincerely for her dedication and commitment to our station. We hope you enjoy your well-deserved retirement.

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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