Redcar RNLI volunteer awards

Two RNLI volunteers from Redcar have had their long service to the charity recognised at an awards ceremony held recently.

Dr Roger Smith, a Redcar-based general practitioner, has been the lifeboat medical adviser in Redcar for over 20 years. He was presented with the RNLI’s gold badge in recognition of his work with the crews at Redcar.

Jenny Emmerson, who is the chair of the Redcar Ladies Lifeboat Guild, was presented with a bar to her gold badge. Jenny has been involved with the ladies guild for over 35 years and was awarded the RNLI gold badge in 2012.

The ceremony was held at Ramside Hall in Durham, and the presentations were made by Charles Hunter-Pease, the retiring chairman of the RNLI.

On receiving his gold badge, Dr Smith said: ‘It’s been a privilege to work with the team at the lifeboat station. As their training has advanced over the years there’s been less and less emergency stuff I’ve had to do.

‘My role is mainly looking after the wellbeing of the volunteers, carrying out routine medicals and offering support after particularly traumatic incidents.

‘Nobody volunteers for the RNLI in the expectation that they will be given formal recognition for what they do. But of course I’m extremely proud to play my part and I was delighted when I was told about the award.’

Ian Readman, Chairman of Redcar RNLI, said: ‘There are many unsung heroes in the RNLI, and Jenny and Roger are first class examples of people who commit hour upon hour to support the work the lifeboat crews do.

‘Jenny and her ladies work tirelessly to raise thousands of pounds each year for us, and every penny of that goes to keeping our lifeboats at sea.

‘Roger has been a fantastic doctor for us. We know he’s always there for us when we need help and advice on medical matters. And there are some rescues that don’t have a good outcome and then Roger comes into his own with the support he gives to everyone involved.’