New Brighton RNLI volunteer celebrates 20 years of volunteer service

On Thursday 7 August 2025, Mark Harding was presented with his long service medal after volunteering 20 years of dedicated service to the RNLI.

Mark joined the lifeboat after being talked into it by a work friend, and has not looked back since. During the course of his 20 years Mark has held many roles at station such as, shore crew, lifeboat crew, tractor driver, helm, local trainer assessor, hovercraft pilot and commander. Marks lifeboat journey also extends to other stations as well, having volunteered at a number of different RNLI stations namely: Fleetwood, Blackpool, Humber and New Brighton.

Mark's partner Beth also volunteers alongside him at New Brighton as part of the Fundraising and Visits Team.

All the volunteers at New Brighton Lifeboat Station couldn't be more proud of Mark's achievements over the years and we can't wait to see what the future holds for him.

Mark said:

'I have enjoyed the opportunities volunteering has given me and the experiences I have had. I enjoy serving my community and helping people around our coast.

'My proudest moment is representing the RNLI in helping to organise and take part in a maritime moment, which was Liverpool salute to the tragic loss of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. It was an honour to take part and help in the planning.'

Notes to Editors:

• New Brighton RNLI was established in 1863 in the bustling seaside resort of New Brighton, on the north east corner of the Wirral peninsula. They cover the River Mersey and out into the Irish Sea.
• The station is home to a B-class Atlantic 85 lifeboat, one of the fastest in the RNLI fleet.
• The crews at New Brighton have been presented with a remarkable 48 awards for gallantry to date.

RNLI Media Contacts:
For more information, please contact:

Emily Craven
Deputy Lifeboat Press Officer/ILB Crew
New Brighton RNLI
[email protected]
07986119684

Connor Wray
Lifeboat Press Officer/ILB Crew
New Brighton RNLI
[email protected]
07756553092

Claire Fitzpatrick-Smith
Regional Communications Manager
[email protected]
07977728315

Key facts about the RNLI

The RNLI is the charity that saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland coasts. The RNLI operates 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and more than 240 lifeguard units on beaches around the UK and Channel Islands. The RNLI is independent of Coastguard and government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824, its lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved over 146,700 lives.

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Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries

Members of the public may contact the RNLI on 0300 300 9990 (UK) or 1800 991802 (Ireland) or by email.