Peel RNLI bids heartfelt farewell to Lifeboat Press Officer Carol Hunter
Peel RNLI marks the end of an era as Lifeboat Press Officer, Carol Hunter, steps down after seven years of dedicated voluntary service.
Carol joined the station in 2019 following a distinguished career in communications, public relations and government service. Her appointment to Lifeboat Press Officer (LPO) came after hearing about the role on Manx Radio, and she quickly brought her professional expertise together with a lifelong connection to the sea to support the RNLI’s lifesaving mission.
Reflecting on her time in the role, Carol said:
‘It has been a tremendous honour to have been part of Peel Lifeboat’s generous and supportive family for the past seven years. The best part is being able to promote the lifesaving work of our volunteers, whether afloat, ashore or fundraising.
‘I have been deeply moved by the dedication my fellow volunteers show especially in training and in being willing to respond day or night, whatever the weather, when called to help.’
From her earliest days, Carol played a vital role in sharing the station’s stories with the local community. She recalls the warm welcome she received from fellow volunteers and RNLI colleagues.
‘I was eager to share the station’s uplifting narrative of courage, determination and selfless endeavour with the local media and our community.’
As LPO, Carol was responsible for providing accurate and timely information to the media and managing the station’s communications, often at short notice. The role required balancing regular monitoring of news and social media with the unpredictability of emergency call outs.
‘The shouts are the most unpredictable element of an LPO’s role. A ‘typical day’ as LPO is the gathering of information from traditional media, social media and the RNLI to assess current and developing issues and prepare for further action, whether it’s a chat with a crew member or fundraiser, and the preparation of a news release or social media post.
‘My week would include observing crew training exercises to take photos and prepare social media posts and attending various committee meetings to report on media issues.’
Throughout her tenure, Carol championed the work of Peel RNLI’s volunteers, from operational crew to fundraisers, and helped strengthen the station’s relationship with the community. She also grew the station’s social media presence with consistent content and community engagement.
Among many highlights, Carol cites the arrival of Peel’s Shannon class all-weather lifeboat, Frank and Brenda Winter, as a standout moment. She led communications around the event, building anticipation through social media as the lifeboat travelled from Poole to Peel.
‘The day of the arrival was electric,’ Carol said. ‘Hundreds of supporters gathered to celebrate, and it was wonderful to see the pride felt across the community.’
Carol also played a key role in the Isle of Man’s RNLI 200th anniversary celebrations, working alongside volunteers from all five island stations to deliver a year-long programme of events. The initiative brought together community groups, businesses and government organisations to celebrate the charity’s heritage and inspire future generations.
During this period, the RNLI’s work was showcased through exhibitions, commemorative stamps, and recognition at Tynwald Day, demonstrating the depth of public support for the charity in the special anniversary year. Carol was recognised with an ‘Excellence in Volunteering’ award for her dedicated work in the build-up, planning and execution of the campaign, and her key role in the project group for the Isle of Man.
‘It was a most fantastic experience, working with volunteers from all five Island stations under the leadership of Chairman Allen Corlett with the support of RNLI 200 Anniversary Coordinator Angela Rook.
‘Together we delivered an amazing programme of events and publications. I am most grateful to have had the opportunity to collaborate with government and businesses throughout the Island who were eager to show their support for our charity.’
While she highlights the many rewarding aspects of the role, Carol also reflects on the more challenging moments when rescues did not have a positive outcome. She praised the support and camaraderie within the RNLI family during those times.
Describing the LPO role in three words as ‘fulfilling, heartwarming and fun,’ Carol says she is proud to have contributed to raising awareness of the RNLI’s lifesaving work and building strong community engagement.
Peel RNLI now welcomes Claire Hamer and Debs Benson (SMO) into the Lifeboat Press Officer and Social Media Officer roles at the station. Carol expressed her confidence in their future success:
‘Claire and Debs are enthusiastic and passionate about the station and their fellow volunteers. With RNLI training and their operational experience, they will further strengthen engagement with the public and I look forward to supporting them from the sideline.’
Looking ahead, Carol remains excited for the future of Peel RNLI, particularly as the station prepares to celebrate its 200th anniversary in 2028. As she steps down, Carol encourages others to consider volunteering with the RNLI:
‘Joining the RNLI is an opportunity to be part of the charity’s “One Crew”, to support your community, develop new skills, meet new people and contribute to saving lives at sea.’
Newly appointed Lifeboat Operations Manager at Peel RNLI, Paul Thompson, said:
‘On behalf of all of us here at Peel RNLI and the wider charity, we want to extend our sincere thanks to Carol for her exceptional service and dedication over the past seven years.
‘We wish her all the best for the future and she knows that the station doors are always open to her with a warm welcome beyond. Thank you Carol.’
Reflecting on her time in the role, Carol said:
‘It has been a tremendous honour to have been part of Peel Lifeboat’s generous and supportive family for the past seven years. The best part is being able to promote the lifesaving work of our volunteers, whether afloat, ashore or fundraising.
‘I have been deeply moved by the dedication my fellow volunteers show especially in training and in being willing to respond day or night, whatever the weather, when called to help.’
From her earliest days, Carol played a vital role in sharing the station’s stories with the local community. She recalls the warm welcome she received from fellow volunteers and RNLI colleagues.
‘I was eager to share the station’s uplifting narrative of courage, determination and selfless endeavour with the local media and our community.’
As LPO, Carol was responsible for providing accurate and timely information to the media and managing the station’s communications, often at short notice. The role required balancing regular monitoring of news and social media with the unpredictability of emergency call outs.
‘The shouts are the most unpredictable element of an LPO’s role. A ‘typical day’ as LPO is the gathering of information from traditional media, social media and the RNLI to assess current and developing issues and prepare for further action, whether it’s a chat with a crew member or fundraiser, and the preparation of a news release or social media post.
‘My week would include observing crew training exercises to take photos and prepare social media posts and attending various committee meetings to report on media issues.’
Throughout her tenure, Carol championed the work of Peel RNLI’s volunteers, from operational crew to fundraisers, and helped strengthen the station’s relationship with the community. She also grew the station’s social media presence with consistent content and community engagement.
Among many highlights, Carol cites the arrival of Peel’s Shannon class all-weather lifeboat, Frank and Brenda Winter, as a standout moment. She led communications around the event, building anticipation through social media as the lifeboat travelled from Poole to Peel.
‘The day of the arrival was electric,’ Carol said. ‘Hundreds of supporters gathered to celebrate, and it was wonderful to see the pride felt across the community.’
Carol also played a key role in the Isle of Man’s RNLI 200th anniversary celebrations, working alongside volunteers from all five island stations to deliver a year-long programme of events. The initiative brought together community groups, businesses and government organisations to celebrate the charity’s heritage and inspire future generations.
During this period, the RNLI’s work was showcased through exhibitions, commemorative stamps, and recognition at Tynwald Day, demonstrating the depth of public support for the charity in the special anniversary year. Carol was recognised with an ‘Excellence in Volunteering’ award for her dedicated work in the build-up, planning and execution of the campaign, and her key role in the project group for the Isle of Man.
‘It was a most fantastic experience, working with volunteers from all five Island stations under the leadership of Chairman Allen Corlett with the support of RNLI 200 Anniversary Coordinator Angela Rook.
‘Together we delivered an amazing programme of events and publications. I am most grateful to have had the opportunity to collaborate with government and businesses throughout the Island who were eager to show their support for our charity.’
While she highlights the many rewarding aspects of the role, Carol also reflects on the more challenging moments when rescues did not have a positive outcome. She praised the support and camaraderie within the RNLI family during those times.
Describing the LPO role in three words as ‘fulfilling, heartwarming and fun,’ Carol says she is proud to have contributed to raising awareness of the RNLI’s lifesaving work and building strong community engagement.
Peel RNLI now welcomes Claire Hamer and Debs Benson (SMO) into the Lifeboat Press Officer and Social Media Officer roles at the station. Carol expressed her confidence in their future success:
‘Claire and Debs are enthusiastic and passionate about the station and their fellow volunteers. With RNLI training and their operational experience, they will further strengthen engagement with the public and I look forward to supporting them from the sideline.’
Looking ahead, Carol remains excited for the future of Peel RNLI, particularly as the station prepares to celebrate its 200th anniversary in 2028. As she steps down, Carol encourages others to consider volunteering with the RNLI:
‘Joining the RNLI is an opportunity to be part of the charity’s “One Crew”, to support your community, develop new skills, meet new people and contribute to saving lives at sea.’
Newly appointed Lifeboat Operations Manager at Peel RNLI, Paul Thompson, said:
‘On behalf of all of us here at Peel RNLI and the wider charity, we want to extend our sincere thanks to Carol for her exceptional service and dedication over the past seven years.
‘We wish her all the best for the future and she knows that the station doors are always open to her with a warm welcome beyond. Thank you Carol.’
RNLI Media Contacts
RNLI Media Contacts
For more information, please contact Claire Fitzpatrick-Smith, Regional Communications Manager on [email protected] or 07977 728315. Or the RNLI Press Office on [email protected] or 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.
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