The annual Christmas fundraiser for Sandown & Shanklin Independent Lifeboat, held at Sandown’s Broadway Centre, provided the perfect backdrop for the awarding of a special award to volunteer lifeboat crew and fundraiser Janet O’Mara.
Sandown Mayor Paddy Lightfoot and lifeboat Coxswain Mark Birch presented the Jubilee Medal to crew member Daren Sands. Made of nickel silver, the medal is awarded to members of emergency services and acts as a token of the nation’s thanks to those who diligently serve the public; featuring an image of the late Queen with the Latin inscription ‘Elizabeth II Dei Gratia Regina Fid Def’, which stands for ‘Elizabeth II, By the Grace of God, Queen, Defender of the Faith’.
Other crew members were awarded theirs in the summer.
Mayor Paddy Lightfoot said:
“The selfless dedication and voluntary commitment of the crew of the independent lifeboat, in Sandown and Shanklin, deserve this national recognition, alongside the fundraising efforts of the support team.
“Thanks to Richard Burns and all involved in this festive fun fundraiser, and the Town, and Island, are fortunate to have the team and the Town Council value all they do”.
Coxswain Mark Birch added:
“I’ve been fortunate to serve with the crew for over 25 years, and know first hand the time and professionalism that all put into providing this all year round voluntary service, and without the support of our fundraising team wouldn’t be possible”.
Congratulations Janet and Daren. Thank you for all that you do.