Bereaved family offer festive thanks for crew who searched for loved one
Lowri Taylor and her family returned to Llandudno Lifeboat Station to be reunited with some of the volunteers who gave them hope during their darkest days.
It's the first time the family have visited the station since their world was shattered when Lowri’s brother Ross Ballantine failed to return from a fishing trip onboard the Nicola Faith in 2021. RNLI volunteers from Llandudno, Rhyl, Conwy, Beaumaris and Hoylake collectively spent more than 90 hours searching for the missing vessel which disappeared with three crew board. Their bodies of all three were sadly recovered several weeks later.
Lowri says:
‘Christmas will never be the same for us as a family. Losing Ross was the most devastating thing to happen to us, he wasn’t only my brother, he was a much-loved son and dad. His two young boys facing another Christmas without their dad and that pain will never go away. We will never come to terms with that loss but the one thing we can do is to show our gratitude for the amazing volunteers who brought us hope during our darkest days.
‘RNLI crews never gave up. We knew they wanted more than anything to bring all the boys back to their families, and whilst it was the outcome none of us wanted, what they did for us we’ll never forget. We know it hit them hard and this is why we wanted to return to Llandudno at Christmas to let them all know how much that meant to us. We’re hoping a simple thank you will spur them on as they prepare for the possibility of having to leave behind their own loved ones if the call for help comes.’
Graham Heritage was Coxswain of Llandudno’s all-weather lifeboat during the long and arduous search along with his son Luke, senior station technician. Both are preparing for to swap turkey and tinsel for turbulent seas should the call for help come. They are heartened that the family are taking the time to wish them a safe and peaceful Christmas.
Luke says:
‘It’s one of those searches that stick in your mind. Whilst we carry out hundreds of successful rescues, it’s the ones we couldn’t save which stick in our mind. The search and was long and difficult and we were desperate to bring them home safe. As the hours turned into days, hope faded and to see them waiting outside the station to recover each evening was heartbreaking.
‘It was during a time when Covid restrictions were in force and our teams were desperate to bring them inside the station to bring them some comfort in what must have been the most distressing time. We weren’t able to do that at the time and that really impacted many of us.
‘As we all prepare for Christmas with our families, we are incredibly touched they are thinking of us and it will be an absolute honour to come face to face with the family this Christmas.
Figures show RNLI lifeboats launched more than 100 times* during the Christmas period last year and Lowri and family feel it’s an opportune moment to show their gratitude to the crew and wish them a safe and peaceful Christmas.
Around the UK and Ireland crews who make up the RNLI’s lifesaving service are preparing to drop their own celebrations to answer the pager at a moment’s notice.
Whatever weather winter throws at them, RNLI crews are ready to battle the elements in their mission to save every one.
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 to keep crews prepared and protected.
Lowri adds:
‘We will do everything within our power to stop any other family suffering as we have, we’re keen that people look at our story and take heed of the RNLI’s vital safety advice. It’s amazing to know there are an army of volunteers on standby not just at Christmas but all year round. But they couldn’t launch without kind donations from the public which fund the kit, training and equipment they need to save others and to get home safely.’
To make a donation to the RNLI’s Christmas Appeal, and enable the charity to continue its lifesaving work, visit: RNLI.org/WinterAppeal
*Christmas period’ refers to 24 December – 1 January inclusive.
Stats for 2024: 119
2023: 120
2022: 102
2021: 107
2020: 108
RNLI media contacts
For more information please contact Danielle Rush, Regional Communications Lead in Wales, the North West and Isle of Man on 07786 668829 or [email protected] Alternatively contact the RNLI Press Office on 01202 336789 or [email protected].
Key facts about the RNLI
The RNLI is the charity that 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 146,700 lives.
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