Major storm of love at Appledore RNLI

Richard says the question came out of the blue, tied onto their beloved dog’s tail. Natalie and Richard have been together for 15 years and they joined the crew together over 7 ½ years ago. The crew are all delighted that they have now decided it is time to make their relationship permanent with a wedding early next year.

Over their 7 ½ years Natalie has become inshore and all weather lifeboat crew, navigator, helm and is now a trainee coxswain. As shore crew, Richard became a launch and recovery driver for both vehicles, as well as head launcher. He then moved over to both lifeboats, passing out as crew on both boats. He is now a trainee all-weather boat mechanic.

Natalie and Richard are heavily involved in helping to plan next year’s bicentenary of Appledore getting its own RNLI lifeboat. They obviously thought they would take these celebrations to an extra level!

Bob Meller, Appledore RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager says: ‘We are delighted to hear this news. Massive congratulations to Natalie and Richard from everyone at Appledore RNLI’.

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.

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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.