Judith Richardson, a volunteer at Dungeness Lifeboat Station, has been honoured with a British Empire Medal (BEM) for her 56 years of service to the RNLI after starting as a lady launcher at the age of 20, helping to launch the lifeboat by hand until 1977.
She also took on fundraising and water safety education roles, travelling around the country with her husband William Richardson, a former coxswain. She retired from her role as volunteer lifeboat press officer last year, but she still supports the station today.
RNLI Chief Executive, Mark Dowie said: ‘Our volunteers are the heart and soul of the RNLI and most of them have been with us for a long time. Judith has seen many changes in lifesaving since she joined us when we were still using Watson class lifeboats on Dungeness beach.’
Judith was overwhelmed and proud to receive the honour.
She said: ‘I’ve loved every moment of my involvement with the RNLI and I hope I’ve helped to save some lives along the way. I may not have the same energy as before but I’m still as committed as ever to this amazing charity.’
Dungeness RNLI Lifeboat Station is looking for more volunteers to join its team, both on and off the water. If you want to take on a new challenge and help save lives at sea, please contact the station on 01797 320317 or Dungeness@rnli.org.uk.