The future is looking bright for RNLI Blyth

Application forms were filled in and medicals completed and now that all the paperwork has been processed there are now five new volunteer crew that are starting their journey on becoming competent crew.

We'll let you know how they progress through their training and no doubt you'll hear and see their experiences when they go out on a shout.

We've also been joined by Revd Den Harding. She has been a Methodist Minister for 16 years, serving in Somerset, Cheshire, and now Northumberland. Den moved to Blyth in August 2022 for a seven year appointment serving Cowpen and Central Methodist Churches, and also the wider South East Northumberland Methodist Circuit. Den has passionately supported the RNLI for many years, including having the names of her best friend and her parents on the RNLI Launch a Memory lifeboats at Invergordon and Whitby respectively.

Den said 'It is a huge privilege to serve as Station Chaplain at Blyth, recognizing the importance of the coastal setting here and those who place themselves at risk every day to save lives at sea.'

Den has journeyed in her ministry with many people through stressful challenges (which has been an immense privilege) and seeks to offer the same to crew and visitors alike to Blyth Lifeboat Station, drawing community and church together. Den began her role at the station in January 2023.

Terry Healy , retired up to Blyth, 20 months ago and joined RNLI Blyth as Deputy Launch Authority. Terry isn’t new to the RNLI, as he was a volunteer crew member on the All Weather Lifeboat at Selsey for 4 1/2 years and been with the RNLI for 6 years. He brings a wealth of knowledge from his career working for London Ambulance Service where he retired after 37 years service. Terry has now stepped up to be Lifeboat Operations Manager and said ; ‘I’ve settled in well on the station at Blyth and been responsible for Co-ordinating the training on the station over the last year and when the opportunity came about and with support from the volunteer crew I’ve taken on the role of Lifeboat Operations Manager and looking forward to continuing the good work undertaken by RNLI Blyth both at sea and in the community.'

Key facts about the RNLI

The RNLI charity 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 142,700 lives.

Learn more about the RNLI

For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. News releases, videos and photos are available on the News Centre.

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.