Aberystwyth RNLI volunteer awarded for outstanding commitment

Heather Crump is one of many volunteers who works outside of lifesaving operations at Aberystwyth Lifeboat Station - but still playing a crucial role in helping save lives at sea. Having joined the RNLI in 2016 as a member of the wonderful Events Team and then filling the role of chair of the events committee in 2023, spearheading station fundraising events since the end of the Covid pandemic.

Last year, Heather and the events committee organised and supported a range of successful events including Aberystwyth RNLI Lifeboat Open Day and the Yellow Welly Walk along the prom. Without the valuable efforts of Aberystwyth RNLI Fundraising Team, the lifeboat crews couldn’t do what they do. Currently the team are busy organising events for the 2025 calendar, including this years Yellow Welly Walk (set to be on Saturday 17 May) soon to be announced on Aberystwyth RNLI social media channels.

Heather was presented the award by Dai Jenkins, Aberystwyth RNLI's longest serving volunteer (having dedicated over 60 years to the charity). She said:

‘I am incredibly proud to receive this award. I want to thank my fellow volunteers and our superb fundraising team, who I couldn’t have done any of this without.

‘I joined the team in 2016 and have loved working with the amazing station community. I am grateful to be a part of the RNLI one crew family.’

The ‘John James Award for Outstanding Commitment’ was created in memory of Aberystwyth Lifeboat Crew Member John James, who lost his life on 20 February 1877. The crew of the Aberystwyth pulling lifeboat Lady Haberfield was sent to aid an Irish schooner, Sarah Ellen, which had been caught in a storm and had dropped anchor near ‘The Patches’ off Aberystwyth. Following a protracted and difficult rescue, John James died of extreme cold and exhaustion, the lifeboat bringing the rescued schooner safely to Aberystwyth Harbour.

Aberystwyth RNLI Lifeboat Station are currently looking for volunteers for a range of roles, including Shop Volunteer, Shop Manager and Fundraisers. In these roles you directly help power the lifesaving mission of the RNLI, working with other excellent volunteers to help save lives at sea. You can find out more about the available roles and apply by visiting rnli.org/volunteer and searching for ‘Aberystwyth’.

ENDS

Notes to editors

• Image credits: RNLI/Oliver Smoult.
• Aberystwyth lifeboat station has been operating since 1861. To learn more about the lifeboat station go to: rnli.org/Aberystwyth

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For more information contact Billy Swanson, RNLI volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer on 07507 885591 or [email protected].

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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.

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