RNLI volunteers were recognised with the prestigious Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Volunteering Award in December 2012.

We’re one of just 60 organisations to receive this one-off award that marks the Jubilee and Olympic year.

In a nomination submitted by long-term supporters, actor Timothy Spall and his wife Shane, our charity’s volunteers were described as ‘what are “Great” about Britain’. The Spalls went on to say: ‘They are an inspiration, and have our eternal gratitude and respect.’

Martyn Lewis CBE, Chairman, Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Volunteering Award Committee, explained that the organisations honoured had: ‘built their success on the dedication and generosity of thousands of extraordinary people, each of whom has devoted their time and energy to the simple aim of making their communities – and their country – a better place.’

Paul Boissier, RNLI Chief Executive, is thrilled that RNLI volunteers have been recognised in this way: ‘I am not only proud to be part of the charity but inspired by so many ordinary people doing extraordinary things.’

Read on to hear from the volunteers themselves and visit RNLI.org/volunteer to find out more.