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Newbiggin RNLI receives sad news on dedicated volunteer

Lifeboats News Release

Volunteers from Newbiggin lifeboat station have received the sad news of the loss of their fellow dedicated long serving volunteer, Chris Main, who passed away Thursday.

The late Chris main (left) and his son Christopher following a presentation

RNLI/Richard Martin

Chris Main
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Retired fisherman Chris, aged 78 years, was recently presented with his 50-year RNLI Volunteer Service Award in recognition of his valuable service to the lifeboat here. Over the years Chris had taken on many roles including second coxswain of the Mary Joicey lifeboat, shore crew, and latterly box steward. Chris was also active in fundraising events for the station, supporting his wife Anne as lifeboat chair over the years.

Chris will be a hugely missed by his wider lifeboat family here at Newbiggin.

The funeral for Chris will take place on Friday 28th November 2025 at noon in the Newbiggin Methodist Chapel.
The Main family welcomes you to commemorate Chris' life at the Central Club following the funeral.

Rest in peace, Chris - fair winds and following seas.

Notes to editors

Newbiggin RNLI is based at Sandridge, Newbiggin by the Sea, Northumberland. The station was established in 1851 and currently operates an Atlantic 85 inshore lifeboat Richard Wake Burdon.

RNLI Media contacts

For more information please telephone Richard Martin, RNLI Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer Newbiggin on 07980 010544 or [email protected], Clare Hopps, RNLI Regional Communications Manager, North and East on 07824 518641 or [email protected] or contact the RNLI Press Office on 01202 336789.

If you would like to find out more about Newbiggin lifeboat station, its volunteers and its heritage then please look at the local website.

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.

Learn more about the RNLI

For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, TikTok 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.

About the author

Richard Martin
Lifeboat Press Officer, Newbiggin Lifeboat Station

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