Lifelong supporter celebrates 100th birthday with donations to RNLI
As she approaches her 100th birthday, Maudie Manning has made a heartfelt request instead of gifts. She is asking for donations to the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI), a charity she has supported faithfully for many years. Maudie has lifelong love for saving lives at sea.
Maudie, who turns one hundred on 9 June, will be celebrating her milestone with close friends and family the day before. But instead of presents she hopes her celebration will raise vital funds for the RNLI the lifesaving charity she holds so dear.
Maudie said ‘The RNLI do such a marvellous job. I often get tearful watching Saving Lives at Sea – the rescues are so important, and I continue to donate every month. At my age, I do not need gifts, so I thought I would give them to something that truly matters.’ She joked ‘Despite both being in the Navy, Ron never got to see me in my Naval uniform.’
A lifelong supporter of seafarers, Maudie served in the Women's Royal Naval Service (WRNS) under Commander De Sheire during the war. Her love of the sea continued through her late husband, Ronald Cooper Manning known as ‘Ron’ who was also a dedicated Navy man and proud supporter of naval associations.
Maudie remains a vibrant part of her community, regularly performing with her local singing group, the Soham Singers. Over the years, the group has brought joy and reflection at weddings, Remembrance Days, and will be performing again this year on VJ Day.
Dianne, Maudie’s daughter explained ‘Mum is a dearly loved Mother, Grandmother, Great Grandmother, Aunt and Great Aunt to many as well as Godmother of four surviving Godchildren. She is a fiercely independent lady who enjoys living in her own home with very little help. She’s always straight on her phone if she hears of anyone who is poorly or in need of an ear to listen offering to help if she can! Not bad for a lady of 100! Long may she enjoy this independence’.
Now, as she celebrates a century of life, Maudie’s wish is to continue helping others especially those who risk their lives to save others at sea.
Rebecca Whyte RNLI Community manager said; ‘We are incredibly touched by Maudie’s generosity and her lifelong dedication to those who serve at sea. For someone reaching such a remarkable milestone to think of supporting our crews in this way is truly heart-warming. Every donation in Maudie’s name will help our volunteers continue their mission to save lives, and we are so grateful to her and her family.’
Donations in honour of Maudie’s birthday can be made to the RNLI, supporting the charity’s mission to save lives at sea, just as she has supported them for so many years.
Media Contact Jess Curtis, RNLI and Regional Engagements North and East, Lifeboat Press Officer at Wells: Tel 07483488243 Email: [email protected] contact the RNLI Press Office on 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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Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries
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