Port Talbot RNLI joined by Chief Executive to applaud 140 years of volunteering

On a tour of local RNLI stations in south Wales, Peter Sparkes was welcomed to Port Talbot by RNLI volunteers, along with our colleagues from HM Coastguard, South Wales Police and RNLI Lifeguards.

Peter took time to explain the future direction and plans for the RNLI, plus willingly and enthusiastically answered all questions put to him by volunteers.

He highlighted the vital importance of all RNLI volunteers, whatever their role, to saving lives at sea and applauded the 140 years of service by three Port Talbot RNLI volunteers who typified the one crew ethos of all volunteers.

John Lewis
A former ships pilot, with a career at sea guiding ships safely into the Port of Port Talbot, was presented his Long Service Medal. John has given 64 years of volunteering, including roles as chair, deputy launch authority, fundraiser and box collector.

Robert Parker
Received his 50-year Long Service Medal and good conduct medal, having joined Port Talbot RNLI in 1973, being a helm and crew for 23 years and now chair of Port Talbot RNLI. His claim to fame is Robert was appointed the very first paramedic in Wales.

Thomas Reeves
Received his 20-year Long Service Medal, a former coal miner who joined Port Talbot RNLI in 1981, serving till 1990. He then served with The Mumbles RNLI, where he served on both their inshore and all-weather lifeboats from 1990 to 1999. He wasn't finished there, then serving from 2000 to 2007 with Clovelly RNLI as both lifeboat and shore crew, volunteering a total of 25 years at three lifeboat stations.

Peter Sparkes ended his visit by thanking all volunteers for their constant and unwavering commitment to saving lives at sea, praising their willingness to put their own lives at risk at a moments notice day or night and in any weathers.

RNLI media contacts
For more information please contact Port Talbot RNLI Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer, Ceri Jeffreys on [email protected].

Alternatively, you can contact Claire Fitzpatrick-Smith, Regional Communications Manager on [email protected] or 07977 728 315, or the RNLI Press Office on [email protected] or 01202 336789.

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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