Doc hangs up his stethoscope after 30 years volunteering with Redcar RNLI
In what turned out to be an eventful Redcar RNLI Chairman's Dinner, which included the crews’ pagers going off and half of the attendees leaving to answer a ‘Shout', Roger Smith a local GP and long-standing member of the crew has finally retired from practice and consequently the RNLI.
Fortunately, the crew returned 20 minutes later after the shout was cancelled.
Roger Smith came to Redcar in 1992 when he joined Dr Whitehouse and Davidson at what is now the Greenhouse Surgery. They had provided the doctor to the lifeboats at Teesmouth and Redcar for many years and although Roger was unaware of this, it was assumed that he would become deputy doctor to both lifeboats and then as each retired, he would assume the role of volunteer crew Doctor, a role which he loved.
Roger says: ‘Over the years I have been involved in many rescues covering a whole range of issues. There have been medical emergencies, people suffering mishaps and those cut off by the tides. Throughout this time, I have had the privilege to work with brilliant volunteer crews providing training, arranging medical exercises, providing occupational health/medicals and support following some difficult events.
'I feel immensely proud to have been involved with the RNLI and especially Redcar for the last 30 years. Everyone at the station has my complete admiration as they are the ones that are out there in the worst weather at the most inconvenient times, again and again. I have been lucky enough to be regarded as part of the team which is a real honour.’
Dave Cocks, Chairman of Redcar RNLI said: ’Roger has been an invaluable asset to the team of volunteers here at Redcar RNLI. His medical skills and sound advice over the last 30 years will be greatly missed by us all. It was an honour to present him with his RNLI 30 years’ service medal in front of so many of his fellow volunteers. We all wish him a long and happy retirement.’
Notes to Editors
Redcar lifeboat station has been operating since 1802
Redcar currently operates a B-class lifeboat named Leicester Challenge III, paid for by the people of Leicester, and an IB1-class lifeboat named Eileen May Loach-Thomas, paid from the legacy of the late Mr Nick Thomas of Shropshire
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For more information, please contact Andy Watson, volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer, Redcar RNLI on 07954 435834 or 01642 484491 or email [email protected]
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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.
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