top RNLi AWARds The RNLI held its Annual Presentation of Awards in London’s Barbican Centre on 17 May, and Bronze Medals for Gallantry were awarded by HRH The Duke of Kent to Dr Christine Bradshaw (see page 16), Lifeguard Sophie Grant-Crookston (see page 20) and Coxswain Donald MacLeod (see left and the Lifeboat Winter 2006–7).

People like Christine, Sophie and Donald would not be able to save lives at sea without the help of supporters around the UK and RoI. So supporter awards were also presented, as follows.

Portpatrick Coxswain Robert Erskine received the individual award. In addition to his lifeboating role, Robert organises a week of RNLI fundraising events and activities every year. Locals and visitors to the small town are inspired by Robert’s enthusiasm, and the week brings in about £20,000 for the RNLI annually. Children’s television show Blue Peter was given a lifetime achievement award in recognition of its work to bring the RNLI to generations of young people since 1956. Blue Peter appeals have funded 25 lifeboats, which have been involved in saving more than 1,000 lives.

The group award went to the Portrush raft race committee. The race in question was fi rst held in the County Antrim town in 1981 and has raised more than £500,000 in 26 years. Cluny Primary School in Banffshire and Manchester’s Chetham’s School of Music won the youth awards, while Tenby’s new RNLI shop was top of the retailer category.

Unilever, in the guise of Walls’ ice cream, was named the corporate supporter of the year. BBC Radio Cornwall was given the media relations award. Dozens of grassroots supporters were also honoured. .