Portaferry Lifeboat volunteers are honoured

Portaferry Lifeboat volunteers are honoured

1 July 2015

THREE RNLI volunteers from Portaferry have been honoured at the charity’s annual presentation of awards.

The event, which was staged at the Titanic Museum in Belfast last Wednesday night, recognised the commitment and dedication of Susan Brewster, Vera Murphy and Mike Miall, who volunteer with the Portaferry and District Guild.

During the ceremony, Mike was awarded with a bronze badge by the RNLI. Guests heard how Mike had made a great impression during the 11 years he has been involved with the guild.

“As well as stepping in when the branch need a treasurer, he is also indispensable as vice chair,” Emma Gibson, RNLI Area Manager, said.

“He hosts an annual open week at his house which helps to raise funds and promote the RNLI to new audiences.”

Susan and Vera both received a certificate of thanks. “Susan has raised over £2,000 for the branch over many years,” Emma continued, “doing various activities including street collections in Ballynahinch and organising a sponsored walk for her 80th birthday instead of receiving presents.”

Vera was described as an enthusiastic committee member since 2006. Emma explained: ”She helps the branch each year with its annual collections on the Portaferry ferry crossing over Easter and the Tesco collection.,”

The awards were presented by RNLI chairman Charles Hunter-Pease, who said the RNLI had made an extraordinary difference to people’s lives in 2014.

He said volunteers from Northern Ireland’s nine lifeboat stations had rescued 281 people while lifeguards on 10 beaches saved 59 people.

Mr Hunter Pease said this was an extraordinary achievement for the charity’s lifesavers — and a life changing moment for every single person they brought to safety.

Praising the award winners, he said: ‘This evening, we celebrate people. We celebrate not just those whose lives we have saved, but also those who have made this incredible number possible.

“We celebrate remarkable fundraising feats and decades of lifesaving service given by volunteers. And we say thank you to all of you.”