Portaferry RNLI volunteer receives award after over thirty years of service
Portaferry RNLI volunteer Vera Murphy was recently presented with her 30 years of service award in Portaferry RNLI Station by the station's Fundraising President, Mrs. Eveleigh Brownlow.
Vera joined Portaferry lifeboat fundraising team just over 30 years ago when her son, Jamie, joined the boat crew at the station.
Vera said: 'I remember nights when the weather wasn't great and the request to launch came in. Jamie would be gone to the station and I'd be at home wondering what was happening. Sometimes he'd be out all night, it just made sense for me to join as a fundraiser because the funds raised were providing my son with the kit and equipment to keep him safe while he was out helping others.
'I have found it a very worthwhile charity to be involved with. My son left the crew at Portaferry station because of other commitments, but I found it more difficult to leave, and the fundraising continues to get me out and about 32 years later.
Portaferry lifeboat volunteers congratulate Vera, and thank her for her continued contribution.
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.
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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.