Former Newhaven RNLI volunteer recognised in King’s Birthday Honours
Phill Corsi, a long-time volunteer at Newhaven RNLI and later staff member, who dedicated more than 44 years to the charity, has been made a Member of the British Empire (MBE) in The King’s Birthday Honours List.
Phill joined Newhaven RNLI on his 17th birthday in 1981, having begged his mum to let him join throughout his teenage years. He progressed through the ranks to become coxswain, and in 2007 began working for the RNLI in a staff capacity, becoming a trials coxswain and subsequently area operations manager for the south east in 2019.
He finished his career as area operations manager for Sussex, supporting stations from Shoreham to Rye Harbour. Phill retired from the RNLI in November 2025, leaving a remarkable legacy of service.
Phill said: ‘It’s very humbling to be put forward for such an honour. I’ve loved my time as both a volunteer and staff member at the RNLI and have many fond memories.
‘One of the many rescues I’ll never forget was launching in the great storm of 1987 to assist a trawler safely back into Newhaven in awful and challenging conditions. I’ve worked alongside so many dedicated people and everyone shares the same passion to help save lives at sea.’
Phill was one of eight RNLI volunteers and staff to be recognised in the King’s Birthday Honours for their dedication and commitment to the lifesaving charity.
RNLI Chief Executive Peter Sparkes said: ‘I am always astounded by the dedication of our volunteers and staff and these eight are testament to the commitment demonstrated by so many of our people who give decades of their time to saving lives at sea.
‘Whatever their role, they are all lifesavers and the RNLI couldn’t do what we do without them powering our frontline services with passion, talent and kindness.
‘My heartfelt congratulations to these eight Honours recipients, and as we enter our peak summer season, my thanks go to the thousands of volunteers who give their time so generously to the RNLI.’
Roger Cohen MBE, who was himself made a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) for his dedication to the RNLI in 2022, and who worked with Phill for over 40 years at Newhaven said: ‘Phill worked tirelessly locally, regionally and throughout the UK and Ireland to make sure RNLI volunteers were well-trained with the skills they needed to work safely and save lives at sea.
‘He has shown true dedication to the charity both as a Newhaven volunteer and long-time staff member since 2007. This distinguished honour is thoroughly deserved.’
Notes to editors
· Phill is available for interview this weekend
· Downloadable images available via the RNLI News Centre
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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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Julie Rainey, RNLI Regional Communications Lead for London and South East England, 07827 358256, [email protected]
RNLI Press Office, 01202 336789, [email protected]
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.
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