RNLI lifesavers recognised in King's New Year Honours

Five RNLI volunteers recognised in His Majesty The King's New Year Honours - (Top L-R) Sheila Warner MBE and Paddy McLaughlin MBE, (Bottom L-R) David Lipp MBE, Gilli Cowley BEM and David Haines BEM © RNLI

Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) volunteers have been recognised in His Majesty The King's New Year Honours for a combined 223 years' dedicated service to saving lives at sea.

Five RNLI volunteers, including lifeboat crew and a community stalwart with 65 years of service, have been honoured by The King for their incredible contribution to the charity.

RNLI Chief Executive, Peter Sparkes said: 'What a wonderful way to end the RNLI's 200th anniversary year with recognition for these volunteers from right across the UK.

'It has also been a milestone year for Invergordon RNLI, marking their 50th anniversary, and the Isle of Man, as the home of RNLI founder, Sir William Hillary, so it is particularly special to see volunteers from these two communities recognised at this time.

'For a charity to have survived 200 years based on the time and commitment of volunteers - and on the sheer generosity of the public who provide kind donations - is truly remarkable. Good people responded then and have continued to do so for two centuries: men and women showing extraordinary courage, supported by volunteers and donors who hold the RNLI's values dear.

'Our volunteers are the heart of our lifesaving service - we couldn't do what we do without them. My congratulations to these five worthy recipients and my sincere thanks to the thousands of others who continue to volunteer their time as we embark on our third century of saving lives at sea.'

For half a decade of service to the lifesaving charity, William 'David' Lipp has been awarded The Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE).

An integral part of Invergordon RNLI Lifeboat Station since its inception in 1974, David has held a number of roles, including coxswain between 1981 and 1998 and has been Chair of the Lifeboat Management Group since 2004.

When the lifeboat of a drilling rig fell 150ft into the sea with two people on board in 1992, David's quick thinking made a lifesaving difference. He tasked his crew to use hacksaws to cut one of the casualties free. After months in hospital the casualty visited the station to thank the crew who saved his life.

David said: 'It's not just for me, it's about the whole RNLI. If I was in my 20s again, I would be volunteering again with this great organisation.

'I was shocked to receive the letter but I'm a great believer in teamwork and that is what this has been about.'

Patrick 'Paddy' McLaughlin, Coxswain at Red Bay RNLI Lifeboat Station in County Antrim, Northern Ireland, has been awarded an MBE for 43 years of unwavering service.

First joining in 1981, Paddy has made a significant contribution to the charity as a volunteer coxswain and on the Board of Trustees, overseeing the RNLI's strategy. He has also been the driving force behind a number of pioneering lifesaving partnerships.

Last summer, Paddy was the coxswain during a service to a vessel with nine people onboard which had hit a submerged object and was in danger of sinking. Through his calm leadership, he and his crew saved all nine lives, including four young children.

He said: 'The RNLI is at the heart of communities, bringing people together with the aim of saving lives at sea and keeping people safe on the water.

'In volunteering for the charity for over 43 years in many different roles, I work alongside an incredible group of people who are passionate about lifesaving and preventing drowning in our communities.'

For 65 years, Sheila Warner has gone above and beyond to serve the causes she believes in and has been awarded an MBE for her dedication.

Now Vice Chair of the Wells RNLI Lifeboat Guild, Sheila first joined the RNLI in 1969. She has assisted with countless station open days, carol services, spring fairs and Christmas stalls which have raised more than £500,000 over the last 10 years alone.

She was a founding member of the Wells RNLI Lifeboat Guild and has worked tirelessly to ensure the heritage of Wells Lifeboat Station is protected for future generations, cataloguing historic artefacts, many of which are on display today.

Sheila said: 'I've really enjoyed my time with the RNLI, especially after my husband died it really became a lifeline.

'It is down to the Guild that I have kept on, we have all helped one another and I thank them most sincerely for all the help they have given me over the years.'

Gillian 'Gilli' Cowley has been awarded a British Empire Medal (BEM) for 33 years' service to the Douglas RNLI Lifeboat Guild.

Originally inspired by helping her mother make buttonholes to raise money for the charity, Gilli became a member of the Douglas Lifeboat Guild in 1991 before being appointed Chair in 2005.

Over the last 33 years, the guild has raised an estimated £1.5M for the RNLI, with £1M of this under her leadership, most recently as part of the RNLI's 200th anniversary during which Gilli organised a number of high-profile fundraising events.

Gilli said: 'It's just amazing really. I feel very passionate because Douglas is the home of and where it all started for the RNLI with Sir William Hillary.

'I've always been associated with the lifeboat and it's really lovely to be honoured.'

For 32 years of dedicated service at Looe RNLI Lifeboat Station, David Haines has been awarded a BEM.

Since opening its doors in 1992, David has held volunteer roles across all levels at Looe Lifeboat Station, initially as crew and then helm, before becoming Lifeboat Operations Manager.

When a 19-year-old tragically lost his life in 2009, David was a beacon of hope, driving an appeal to fund and name a lifeboat in his honour. For the last two decades, Looe has been well served by two D class inshore lifeboats named in memory of Ollie Naismith.

David said: 'I feel incredibly proud, and humbled, to have been recognised in this way but I couldn't have achieved anything without the support of the Looe RNLI family - from the operational crew to the many fundraising, shop and boathouse guide volunteers, and the local community who have supported Looe RNLI so well over the decades.

'I'd like to thank everyone who has made my time with the RNLI so memorable, and for my family who have been so supportive. My 32 years as a volunteer have been immensely rewarding and I feel privileged to be part of such a fantastic organisation.'