Long-serving Penrith RNLI fundraising volunteer honoured with BEM

Brenda Couzens, former Chair of the Penrith RNLI Fundraising Branch, has devoted more than 28 years to supporting the RNLI’s mission to save lives at sea. Over nearly three decades, Brenda has taken on a variety of roles within the branch, including committee member and branch secretary, helping to raise thousands of pounds to support RNLI lifeboat crews and lifeguards.

In 2004, Brenda became Chair of the Penrith RNLI Fundraising Branch, a role she held with dedication and commitment until her retirement at the end of last year.

This well-deserved honour recognises Brenda’s long-standing contribution to the RNLI and the vital role she has played in supporting the charity’s lifesaving work.

Dani Beckett, RNLI Community Manager for the Cumbria area said:

‘Brenda’s commitment over nearly 30 years has made a lasting impact on the RNLI. It’s not just our front-line lifeboat crew and lifeguards who save lives at sea, without the incredible effort of dedicated fundraisers like Brenda, our crews could not train and launch to those in need. We are incredibly grateful for her dedication and are delighted to see her recognised with this honour.’

Eight RNLI volunteers and staff, including Brenda have been recognised in The King’s Birthday Honours. Peter Sparkes, RNLI Chief Executive says: ‘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.

‘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.’

Notes to Editors

• Please find attached an image that pictures Brenda (far left) during a local presentation to the Ullswater Steamers in 2023.

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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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