North Devon’s surf lifesavers honoured at national awards

North Devon volunteers were among a strong Devon contingent that took almost a third of the accolades at the recent Heroes of the Surf Awards for Surf Life Saving Great Britain.

The members of local clubs including Woolacombe and Saunton were recognised at the prestigious national awards ceremony for their dedication to keeping people safe on the county’s beaches. 

The men and women, who have clocked up hundreds of volunteer hours between them, were recognised in Surf Life Saving Great Britain’s annual awards, which also marked its 70th anniversary, in Torquay.

Sandy Brown, 75, who was representing the Devon region but is from North Devon, won the prestigious John Martin Memorial Award for being a ‘pillar of the surf lifesaving community and her invaluable contributions regionally and nationally’.

Above: Sandy Brown received the John Martin Memorial Award for her work representing Devon regionally and nationally. Credit: Fran McElhone/SLSGB

Don Duffield, 78, from Woolacombe, won a Life Member Award for his ‘tireless work and being an unwavering force since the 1960s’.

Above: Don Duffield. Credit: Fran McElhone/SLSGB

Keith Gammon, 51, from Woolacombe won one of two 25 Years Long Service awards for his ‘inspirational commitment’ over 30 years.

Ben Rook, 48, from Saunton Sands, won a Services to Lifesaving – Community Award for his ‘remarkable impact on the club and incredible influence on younger members’.

Above: Ben Rook

Ben Pounds, 50, from Saunton Sands won a Spirit to Lifesaving Commendation for his ‘unmatched dedication and exceptional inspiration and motivation’.

Above: Ben Pounds

Stuart Pitches, 54, from Saunton Sands also won a Spirit to Lifesaving Commendation for his ‘tireless and unsung efforts providing the backbone of the club’.

Sarah Durrant, 42, from Saunton Sands, won Official of the Year for her ‘outstanding dedication and professionalism in the world of officiating’.

Above: Official of the Year Sarah Durrant

Surf Life Saving Great Britain began with a small group of passionate individuals in 1955 blossoming into a nationwide search and rescue charity and training organisation with 69 clubs and around 10,000 members across Britain. Last year, the charity’s members made 3,525 potentially life-saving interventions.

Charity chairman Glen Mayhew, from Devon, said: “Our 10,000 volunteer members play a crucial role in educating, training and rescues throughout the year.

“Their impact is seen in the lives they save, the education they give to young members as well as the wider public and their sporting achievements. Their impact can be felt from the coastline to inland areas.

“The awards reflect their outstanding bravery, professionalism and commitment.”