Every RNLI supporter helps save lives at sea, but there are some who deserve special recognition. At our Annual Presentation of Awards dozens of dedicated supporters were honoured. Prestigious supporter awards were presented in the following categories:

Corporate: The co-operative food
The co-operative food (Scotland, Northern Ireland and Isle of Man) set an ambitious fundraising target of £90,000 in 90 days last year, launching on SOS Day. The generosity of staff and customers resulted in an astonishing £190,198 being raised.

Group: The Maltby Siblings
Three siblings – William Maltby, Caroline Roe and Sophie Ross – sailed and rowed their 3.5m dinghy the full length of the navigable Thames, overcoming all possible challenges en route, raising over £70,000 for the Bembridge Lifeboat Station appeal.

Media Relations: Sonny Wells
Aged 20, Sonny was left paralysed after jumping from a pier. He has shown enormous courage by sharing his story as part of the RNLI’s campaign to highlight the dangers of tombstoning.

Youth: Tery Connor
Aged 19, Tery knows what motivates young people and, by using his contacts with local youth services, has not only become a very effective presenter but has encouraged other young people to participate as fundraisers in the Perth community.

Supplier: Crewsaver
Crewsaver has supplied the RNLI’s lifejackets for many years, and worked with our Engineering Team on developing a new lifejacket, specifically for search and rescue, that is currently on trial at lifeboat stations. We’ll tell you more in a future issue!

Retail: Queensferry Lifeboat Shop
Miss Rose Ritchie and her team of volunteers doubled their income in 6 years and achieved the third highest turnover in Scotland, with a mobile shop that is wheeled out in all weathers to meet visitors arriving by boat.

Individual: Mrs Phyl Cleare
Phyl has funded no fewer than four lifeboats, and has always been a much-loved visitor at Weymouth and Swanage lifeboat stations, even joining in when the boats need a polish!

School: Mersea Island School
This Essex school actively involves the local lifeboat station, crew and Education Team in helping children to learn about the work of the RNLI and staying safe.