Berwick-upon-Tweed Helm receives 20-year-RNLI Long Service medal

Michael joined the RNLI at Berwick-upon-Tweed lifeboat station in 2004 where he has climbed the ranks after passing out in his probation period in 2005.

He has held the following roles, Shore Crew, plant operator , D-class lifeboat crew since 2005, all-weather lifeboat (ALB) crew since 2005-2023, ALB mechanic 2013-2023 and ALB navigator and 2nd mechanic 2018-2023.

He still serves on the D-class lifeboat as Helm and has since 2011 and on the Atlantic 85 lifeboat as Helm since 2022.

To pass his skills on in saving lives at sea, Michael went one step further and became a Lifeboat Trainer/Assessor in 2021.

It's hardly surprising what Michael has achieved as he follows in the footsteps of a long line of family serving as volunteers in the RNLI at Berwick-upon-Tweed lifeboat station, the 'Lough’ name being 'legendary'.

Michael Percy, said: ‘It all began in 1919 with Bartholomew Lough the first who became Coxswain at Berwick-upon-Tweed lifeboat station, following with three brothers, Prideaux, Bartholomew the second and John, all nephews of Bartholomew the first, becoming members of the RNLI, serving from 1930 till 1968.

'My Great Grandfather Prideaux climbed the ranks and served as a coxswain from 1945 to 1951, alongside the many other ‘Loughs’, my Great uncle Ted also became Coxswain from1958-1951. From 2010 to 2023 my brother Steven Percy also joined and served along side me.'

Michael continued: 'I am very proud of the long line of service our family has served in the RNLI in saving lives at sea. Becoming a Trainer Assessor means I now can pass on the skills I have learnt, the RNLI is a big part of my life which I enjoy.'

Lifeboat Operations Manager, Kevin Knox, said: ‘Congratulations Michael on this remarkable achievement and thank you from all of us for your dedication, commitment and countless hours given to Berwick-upon-Tweed RNLI lifeboat station, serving our community saving lives at sea.’

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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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