30 year medal for RNLI Skegness volunteer
Skegness RNLI Lifeboat Station proudly celebrates the 30th anniversary of voluntary service by David 'Wiggy' Sellers. A gentleman who has shown dedication and expertise to the charity for three decades. Wiggy has been an integral part of Skegness RNLI since joining in the 1990s.
Starting his volunteering journey in the 1990s, Wiggy; as he's fondly known; quickly showed his skills, aptitude and commitment, progressing through the volunteer ranks to become an qualified all-weather lifeboat mechanic on the Mersey class lifeboat at Skegness, The Lincolnshire Poacher. He held this volunteer position until his operational seagoing retirement, ensuring the safety, plant operation and readiness of lifeboats for numerous exercises and service launches.
In addition to his service at Skegness, Wiggy extended his expertise as a relief mechanic across the North region of the United Kingdom for the charity. His remit spanned from Skegness to Hoylake, where he provided cover and support to stations during periods of absence. He was a qualified Relief Mechanic on various all-weather lifeboats, including the Mersey, Trent, and Severn classes.
Following his retirement from operational sea-going duties, Wiggy still wanted to contribute his time, knowledge and experience in other critical volunteer station roles. He continued to volunteer as one of the station's Deputy Launch Authorities alongside then Lifeboat Operations Manager Alan Fisher, a role crucial for the safe authorisation of RNLI lifeboat launches. His final role, until his retirement in 2023, was the Lifeboat Boathouse Manager, where he oversaw the maintenance and operational readiness of the lifeboat facilities at Skegness.
In December 2023, at the station's Christmas Party, Wiggy received a special medal, recognising his three decades of selfless service from Lifeboat Operations Manager Paul Simpson. He is also set to receive a retirement vellum from the charity, honouring his years of voluntary service.
Brad Johnson, Lifeboat Press Officer, expressed his admiration and gratitude for Wiggy's service: 'David 'Wiggy' Sellers is not just a fellow volunteer, but a symbol of unwavering dedication and kindness. His 30 years of voluntary service have been marked by incredible knowledge, leadership, and a significant commitment to saving lives at sea. We are immensely grateful for his service and wish him all the best in his well-deserved retirement.'
Wiggy's contributions to the RNLI and maritime safety will be remembered and celebrated by all those who had the privilege of working alongside him, and Skegness RNLI Lifeboat Station wishes to thank 'Wiggy' for his years of dedicated service to his community.
To make a donation to the RNLI’s Christmas Appeal, and enable the charity to continue its lifesaving work, visit: RNLI.org/WinterAppeal
Notes to editors
- The RNLI (Royal National Lifeboat Institution) is the charity that saves lives at sea.
- Skegness RNLI is based on Tower Esplanade, Skegness. The lifeboat station was founded in 1825 and the volunteer crew use an inshore D class lifeboat The Holland Family and as well as an all-weather Shannon class lifeboat the Joel and April Grunnill.
- The charity turns 200 on 4 March 2024. For more bicentenary information visit https://rnli.org/about-us/our-history/2024/programmes
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
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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.