Walmer RNLI volunteer receives MBE

Denis’ award recognises 56 years of unbroken voluntary service to the RNLI and Walmer lifeboat station. During this time he has held the roles of D Class lifeboat crew and helm, emergency mechanic, second coxswain and, until it’s withdrawal from service in 1990, coxswain of the Rother Class lifeboat Hampshire Rose. He has also served as an Atlantic senior helm, Deputy Launch Authority and, since 2001, Lifeboat Operations Manager.

Denis said: ‘ When I first heard about the award last year I was moved, humbled and surprised that the RNLI had considered me worthy of such an honour. The King and a large number of people at the Castle and around the town recognised the RNLI tie I was wearing, saying they were supporters of the Charity. I’m overwhelmed that it means so much to so many people. It was a remarkable and unbelievable experience, one which I will never forget.’

Photo 1 Denis Brophy with his wife Jane and the Award.

Photo 2 The MBE Award.

Notes to editors

Walmer lifeboat station was established in 1856.

It currently operates two inshore lifeboats – a B Class Atlantic 85 Donald McLauchlan and a smaller D Class Duggie Rodbard II.

Crews have received 28 Awards for Gallantry

To find out more about Walmer lifeboat station go to https://rnli.org/find-my-nearest/lifeboat-stations/walmer-lifeboat-station

RNLI media contacts

• Chris Winslade, Lifeboat Press Officer, Walmer Lifeboat Station on 01304 374475 or 07906 623037 [email protected]

• Julie Rainey, RNLI Regional Communications Lead on 07827 358256 [email protected]
• Paul Dunt, RNLI Regional Communications Manager (London/East/South East) on 07785 296252, [email protected]

• For enquiries outside normal business hours, contact the RNLI duty press officer on 01202 336789 or [email protected]

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.