200 years of heroism

For 200 years, the RNLI - the Royal National Lifeboat Institution - has been saving lives at sea. Funded entirely by donations, and with lifeboats crewed by trained volunteers, the RNLI is available 24/7.
In the 19th century, there were around 1,800 shipwrecks around the UK every year. Living in Douglas on the Isle of Man, Sir William Hillary saw the treacherous nature of the sea and was inspired to help. He wrote a pamphlet detailing plans for a lifeboat service, and targeted London society, garnering the support of politicians, philanthropists, bankers and, finally, George IV. The Royal National Institution for the Preservation of Life from Shipwreck (as it was known for 30 years) was finally established in a London tavern on 4 March 1824. Although its name has changed, the RNLI's mission has stayed much the same, and it continues to save lives all around the United Kingdom and Ireland.
Real-life rescues
Gianna Saccomani, 60, now retired, joined the RNLI (Teddington) seven years ago.
'I'd lived opposite the lifeboat station for a few years when, one day, I met a crew member and he said, 'Why don't you volunteer?' I thought, I can't do that, I have no boating experience. But it turns out you can teach an old dog new tricks.
Denne historien er fra June 04, 2024-utgaven av Woman's Weekly.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9500+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra June 04, 2024-utgaven av Woman's Weekly.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9500+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på

A fatal ERROR
Who, or what, is to blame for Geraldine?

WILLING and able
Mary was as good as any lad – and she was going to prove it

PRICELESS
Her father left memories that Aanya would treasure forever

Pigeon TALK
Reenie's unwanted night-time visitor had her spitting feathers

Your wellbeing
LATEST HEALTH SOLUTIONS FOR YOUR MIND AND BODY

Follow YOUR STAR
Georgie lived to dance – and now her dream job was within her grasp

GROW A dye garden
Unleash your creativity with plants that produce unique fabric dyes

Sunshine filled PUDDINGS
Delight your guests with these fruity desserts at your next gathering

Help!
Something was missing from Roxanne's life - but what was it?

LOVE on the ward
When Emma Ball needed dialysis treatment, the last thing on her mind was romance