Southend RNLI honours long-serving volunteer for over two decades of service

Over the course of 22 years with Southend RNLI lifeboat station Richard has held vital leadership roles including fundraising treasurer, fundraising chair, and chair of the lifeboat management group. His tireless efforts behind the scenes have ensured the station maintained the crucial funding and leadership needed to help rescue those in distress at sea.

Richard’s decades of commitment have previously earned him some of the RNLI’s prestigious volunteer honours including the Bronze and Gold Badges, as well as the Commendation-Excellence in Volunteering Certificate and Award. Since 2011 Richard has been Southend RNLI station Vice-President.

The presentation was attended by key station personnel and local RNLI figures, including Southend Lifeboat Operations Manager Barrie Daykin, Fundraising Chair Tony Clarke, and Southend RNLI lifeboat legends John Foster and Giles Offord.

Southend RNLI Volunteer Fundraising Chair Tony Clarke said: ‘Richard joined Southend RNLI in 1997 as part of the Annual Dinner to the Crews of the Southend Lifeboats Committee. Richard became chair in 1998 until 2008. He went on to become fundraising treasurer and then fundraising chair, also taking on the role of chair of the lifeboat management group.

‘Additionally, as Chair for Special Projects Richard oversaw the new inshore boathouse facility project 2005-2013 and the modification to the pierhead boathouse to accommodate the new Atlantic 85 lifeboat from 2013-2014.

‘This is some voluntary achievement and one all of us at the lifeboat station deeply appreciate.’

Reflecting on his journey, Richard Offord highlighted the deeply personal connection he and his family share with the lifesaving charity.

Richard Offord said: ‘The charity has been a significant part of my life and my family's lives. What drove our fundraising was knowing every penny raised would go directly towards saving lives at sea.’

Southend Lifeboat Station remains one of the busiest in the country, relying entirely on the commitment of dedicated volunteers like Richard and the generosity of the public to keep its crews trained, equipped, and ready to launch 24/7.

RNLI Media Contacts

Nigel Gilchrist, Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer for RNLI South East, [email protected]

Stella Sims, RNLI Regional Communications Manager for London and South East England, 07483 316675, [email protected]

Sam Haddad, RNLI Regional Communications Manager for London and South East England, 01202 137713, [email protected]

Julie Rainey, RNLI Regional Communications Lead for London and South East England, 07827 358256, [email protected]

RNLI Press Office, 01202 336789, [email protected]

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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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