RNLI Excellence in Volunteering Award for Pat Hughes

In recognition for outstanding work as a volunteer fundraiser for Appledore Lifeboat, Mrs Pat Hughes has received an RNLI

Excellence in Volunteering Award, presented by RNLI Appledore Guild vice president Mrs Julie Turner.

Julie Turner said: “Pat has worked tirelessly for the RNLI and Appledore Lifeboat for nearly thirty years, seventeen on the fundraising committee and the last eight years as chair of RNLI Appledore Guild”.

Thanking Julie, Pat Hughes said: “I am delighted to receive this award, what a lovely surprise. The RNLI has always been close to my heart and it’s a pleasure to have raised many thousands of pounds for the RNLI in the South West supporting Appledore Lifeboat.”

Although retiring as chair of the Guild, Pat will continue to be a fundraiser for the RNLI as a vice president of RNLI Appledore Guild.

Appledore has had a lifeboat since 1825 with the first motorised lifeboat arriving in 1922.

The fundraising Guild has existed for as long as the lifeboat station, supporting the local crew and helping to save lives at sea.

Today Appledore has three lifeboats, the Tamar Class all weather boat ‘Mollie Hunt’, an Atlantic 85 inshore lifeboat ‘Glanely’ and a smaller D-class boat for estuary rescues.