On Saturday 17 October 2026, RNLI volunteers and staff gathered at St George’s Hall in Liverpool to celebrate the achievements of the Wales, West & Isle of Man region.
The achievements included Long Service Awards, recognition of Excellence in Volunteering and Honours Awards from the King.
The awards for Fishguard were presented at a crew recognition event earlier in the year where crew who had left the service in the last two years were also recognised for their contribution. At the event, the Area Operations Manager (AOM) responsible for Fishguard presented the crew with the award for Excellence in Volunteering:
‘In recognition of their outstanding contribution to the RNLI. The whole team pulled together as One Crew to support the first Women in SAR event in the Wales, West and Isle of Man region. Their efforts led to an incredible day that enabled over 40 women form multiple stations and third party organisations to come together to network, upskill; supporting Women and inclusion at the RNLI.’
Following the Women in SAR event, full time station coxswain for Fishguard RNLI, Gemma said:
‘There was such a buzz and positive atmosphere at the station from start to finish and I want to say a huge thank you to all of the RNLI volunteers and staff who helped make this happen, as well as to our external partners and friends of the station who contributed to make it such a success.’
As well as those with individual awards, the station was given additional spaces to attend to represent the whole crew for recognition of this award.
The event was hosted by the head of region and featured a speech from the Chief Executive of the RNLI Peter Sparkes. Those in attendance were treated to afternoon tea and entertainment provided by, as in Liverpool, a Beatles tribute act.
Whilst volunteer crews don’t expect recognition for their work, the event was a great opportunity to come together as One Crew to celebrate each other’s commitment and socialise with colleagues and staff from across the region.
Amongst the Fishguard crew being recognised at the event was Barry Trueman for 30 years service to the charity. Barry held many different roles over the years including volunteer coxswain and retired earlier this year as a Launch Authority.
Also amongst those honoured for their service was former volunteer coxswain Simon Cookson for 20 years service.
Lastly, whilst not a permanent member of the crew locally, however having provided support to the station over the past few years covering as coxswain or mechanic, Pete Yates also received recognition for 20 years service.
Notes to editor:
• Attached photo (Photo 1) shows the presentation of the Excellence in Volunteering award to some of the Fishguard crew who made the event a success. (15 April 2026) Photo credit: RNLI/Cedwyn Rogers
RNLI Media Contacts
For further information, please contact:
Cedwyn Rogers, Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer for RNLI Wales & West, [email protected]
Claire Fitzpatrick-Smith, RNLI Regional Communications Manager for Wales, West of England and Isle of Man, 07977 728 315, [email protected]
Danielle Rush, RNLI Regional Communications Lead for Wales, West of England and Isle of Man, 07786 668829, [email protected]
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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