Penarth RNLI volunteer represents women in search and rescue in historic moment
Penarth RNLI volunteer given honour of carrying Sir William Hillary’s Appeal to the Nation that founded the RNLI at Westminster Thanksgiving Service.
On Monday 4 March at Westminster Abbey, volunteers from Penarth RNLI attended the RNLI’s special Service of Thanksgiving to mark the charity’s bicentenary, along with representatives from RNLI lifesaving communities.
There was a display of historic and modern lifeboats, and also in attendance was The Archbishop of Canterbury and The Duke of Kent leading the celebrations, as well as Vice Admiral Sir Timothy Laurence, husband of The Princess Royal.
The Penarth RNLI volunteers were Jen Payne (Helm), Neil Cunningham (Water Safety Advisor) and Nick White (Local Press Officer). Jen was absolutely thrilled to be asked to be involved with the ceremonies and expressed her delight saying:
‘It was an honour to meet The Duke of Kent. It was a humbling experience and to be surrounded by so many selfless volunteers made it even more special.
‘I could really feel the weight of the event, the importance of the moment and the majesty of the venue. All very fitting for the RNLI’s 200th year celebration.
‘It’s incredible to think how far the RNLI have come from oar-powered lifeboats to the modern lifesaving boats we use today. We are looking forward to the next 200 years building a sustainable and inclusive organisation which is driven by people with the skills, dedication, bravery and commitment to take this incredible lifesaving organisation into the future.’
Jen, who is a Helm on Penarth’s inshore lifeboat, stood outside the Abbey to represent the women volunteers who came before, celebrate the women volunteers of today and inspire the next generation.
The photo taken celebrates the remarkable women lifesavers across RNLI roles against the backdrop of Westminster Abbey.
Notes to editors
- To learn more about the lifeboat station go to:https://www.facebook.com/RNLIPenarth
- Photo details: Jen Payne volunteer Helm with Penarth RNLI, Áine Flynn from Ballycotton’s all-weather lifeboat and Jersey lifeguard Nelly Gallican. The lifesavers were joined by RNLI Chair Janet Legrand, the RNLI’s General Counsel, Nicky Nelson and Director of Fundraising Media and Marketing, Jayne George.
RNLI media contacts
For more information please telephone Nick White, RNLI volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer on 07818680667 or [email protected] , [email protected], Regional Media Officer on 07771941390 or [email protected] or contact the RNLI Press Office on 01202 336789 out of hours.
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.