Steve Elliott had marriage proposal interrupted as pager goes off on Christmas Day Credit: RNLI
It was a Christmas Day filled with love, adventure, and unwavering dedication for Steve Elliott, a volunteer at Sheerness RNLI Lifeboat Station. As Steve got down on one knee to present an engagement ring to his partner Alla, a Ukrainian refugee who had recently moved to England, their romantic moment was interrupted by the familiar blaring of his pager.
Without a beat, Steve sprang into action, his love for Alla intertwined with his commitment to serving his community. Alla, understanding and supportive, watched as Steve and his fellow crewmates raced to the lifeboat station, ready to answer the call.
Throughout the day, the RNLI crew launched four separate missions, responding to various incidents. Steve, ever the hero, was right there alongside his crewmates, braving the cold conditions to ensure the safety of others.
Despite the interruptions, Christmas magic still prevailed. In between missions, Steve managed to steal a few precious moments with Alla. And to his immense joy, when he finally got the chance to ask her the all-important question again, Alla, with a radiant smile, said yes!
Steve’s story is a heartwarming reminder of the unwavering spirit of the RNLI volunteers and their families. While Steve bravely faced the seas, Alla, along with Steve’s mum and their furry companions, patiently waited back at home, their love and understanding serving as a powerful anchor.
Steve, from Rushenden, said:
‘It is the first Christmas since my dad passed away so we had my mum here along with her two dogs and Alla’s cat, which we only managed to get out of Ukraine three weeks ago.
‘Alla and my mum were amazingly patient. People don’t realise that it’s the families and partners of the lifeboat crews that are the real heroes in the RNLI.
‘Going afloat is easy but to wait at home just wondering what’s going on is the hard part, I don’t think I could do that job.’
Coxswain Clive Hancock said:
‘It was a great effort by the three crew on the inshore lifeboat in the cold conditions and similar for the six on the all-weather lifeboats.’
This Christmas, Steve and Alla’s story reminds us of the importance of love, commitment, and the selfless dedication of those who answer the call, no matter what life throws their way.