Volunteer Stephen Wheatley Retires from RNLI Duties After 20 Years of Service

Over the past 20 years, Stephen has been an integral part of Tower RNLI’s story, committing countless hours to saving lives on the River Thames, promoting the work of the lifeboat station, and raising vital funds for the charity. His recent challenge, running 200 miles to celebrate the RNLI’s 200th anniversary - is just one example of his enduring enthusiasm and commitment to the cause.

A familiar face to many, Stephen has also represented the RNLI beyond the lifeboat station. In September 2024, he was appointed the RNLI’s official Standard Bearer for ceremonial occasions and has frequently acted as a spokesperson, delivering public talks and leading community fundraising efforts, often found in train stations helping collect donations with his trademark energy and good humour.

Tower RNLI Station Manager Kevin Maynard said, ‘Stephen has had a truly impressive 20 years at Tower. He’s a friend to everyone and has worked tirelessly to raise awareness for the station. He would often volunteer on Wednesdays and even gave himself the nickname ‘Wednesday Wheatley’.

‘Across two decades, Stephen launched on service 337 times, was directly involved in saving eight lives, and aided at least 46 others. These are remarkable achievements and something he should be immensely proud of’

‘While he’s stepping back from operational duties, I’m delighted that Stephen will remain actively involved with the station and continue to fly the RNLI flag with the same dedication he’s always shown.’

Caren Bucahnan who’s Chair RNLI City of London Committee that supports Tower Lifeboat Station said, ‘Stephen’s energy, creativity and dedication to fundraising for Tower shine through in everything he does. He’s an inspiration to others and a deeply valued member of our committee.’

Chair of the Tower Lifeboat Management Group, Frank Moxen, added, ‘From walking the London marathon in full kit, running 200 miles or climbing one of London’s tallest skyscrapers in yellows, Stephen’s been a tremendous fundraiser. Perhaps one of Stephen’s greatest, of many, accomplishments was engaging the Worshipful Company of Actuaries to calculate that there are four million people alive today that would otherwise not be here but for the RNLI, an approximation of the lives made possible by saving life. The man is a living legend; we hope that he will continue to lead by example with his amazing fundraising efforts for the RNLI.’

During his final operational shift on 18 October, Stephen was presented with his RNLI 20-Year Service Medal, marking a distinguished contribution to the charity’s lifesaving mission and to the Tower lifeboat community.

Notes to Editor

Tower RNLI, based in the heart of London, is our busiest lifeboat station. The crew are on the station 24/7, 365 days a year- ready to respond to any incident immediately.

RNLI media contacts

For more information please contact:

· Ashley Bard, RNLI volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer on [email protected]

· Hatti Mellor, Regional Communications Manager [email protected]

· RNLI Press Office on 01202 336789.

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.