In October, RNLI volunteer fundraiser Kathy Blackman was named the ITV Tyne Tees Regional Fundraiser of the Year. Kathy was nominated by a member of Cullercoats lifeboat crew in recognition of her decades
of support. Kathy has been fundraising for Cullercoats RNLI since she was a little girl. She was inspired by an accident at sea in 1939 in which her father – a lifeboat crew member – was one of the lucky survivors. The award is part of the Daily Mirror Pride of Britain Awards. Cullercoats Press Officer Anna Heslop says: ‘We can’t contain our pride and excitement here at Cullercoats RNLI. Well done Kathy; what a fantastic achievement!’