We celebrated the work of some very special RNLI volunteers at our Annual Presentation of Awards in May. Here we feature Natasha Lambert, and two other dedicated volunteers

The RNLI has no future without people like them. And as younger or newer ones take up the baton, more experienced volunteers pass on their skills and expertise.

Natasha Lambert (15), Isle of Wight
Sailed around the Isle of Wight to raise £17,758 for the RNLI and two other charities. Presented with an RNLI Supporter Award in May

[Gary and Amanda Lambert speak on behalf of Natasha who has athetoid cerebral palsy, which affects her limbs and speech]

‘The RNLI helped Natasha’s sailing instructor when he was injured during Cowes Week. She wanted to give something back to them by doing her own sailing challenge.

It took Natasha 12½ hours to sail around the island. At the finish line there wasn’t a dry eye on any of the boats. She was beaming when we took her helmet off. Then, a couple of moments later, she was crying with emotion and exhaustion. Natasha has plans to carry on with her RNLI fundraising by crossing the Channel to France this month. We hope it will inspire others. We are so proud of what she has achieved.’

Clive Fallon (32), School Site Supervisor, Sunderland volunteer Helmsman and Mechanic
‘I was at the lifeboat station every few weeks with my dad from when I was a small boy. My own children are now coming here. Your family has to be understanding. We involve families in most of our fundraising and social nights too. I like the camaraderie: doing something because you want to, not because you have to.

You can do the work as long as you’re fit and healthy, and have the commitment. The rest you can be taught. I learned just about everything from the more experienced crew.

The spirit of the RNLI is the same just about everywhere you go – it seems like one big family.’

Tim Goldburn (61), Solicitor, Falmouth
RNLI Sea Safety volunteer and fundraiser ‘I have been helping the RNLI for the last 30 years. In the late 1980s, I persuaded Falmouth Round Table to raise money for a new B class lifeboat. In 1994 Falmouth Round Table arrived on station and she helped to save lives for 13 years. I also joined the RNLI’s Sea Safety Team to give advice to divers and owners of small boats.

Once, a woman thanked me for a talk we had given her club on cold-water shock. She told me that, from that day on, she had made her husband wear his lifejacket. One evening, they were out sailing with friends when their tender capsized.

They were thrown overboard and washed out with the tide for 30 minutes. Without their lifejackets they would have lost their lives. Even though I can’t be part of the crew, I can still give people advice that can help save lives. That’s very satisfying.’