A pair of dedicated Cowes RNLI volunteers, who first met while serving on the crew 14 years ago, have tied the knot – returning to the lifeboat station where their journey began to celebrate.
Lou and James Rankin first met in March 2012 when they both volunteered for Cowes RNLI Station as boat crew.
James was on the crew for a couple of years; Lou went on to complete over 11 years of volunteering for the RNLI, across boat and shore crew, education and visits team roles. Both were serving as volunteer crew when Queen Elizabeth II officially opened Cowes RNLI station in July 2012.
The couple reconnected on Valentine’s Day 4 years ago, when James texted Lou to say he had just got a Labrador puppy called Stanley.
In a very happy development, the couple married on Saturday 14th March 2026, at the Island Sailing Club, where they had first set eyes on each other 14 years before.
The ceremony was followed by a short walk down to the RNLI station for photos.
Lou said:
“The RNLI is fantastic for meeting new people, especially people who wouldn’t normally cross paths with in life. I’ve made lifelong friends at the station, lots of whom were at our wedding. Today brought back lovely memories; it was great to go back to where it all started. When I joined the RNLI the last thing I thought was that I would meet my husband, but look at us now!”
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Lou and James remain in Cowes with Stanley and Ruby, Lou’s Labrador, who are best friends. They are avid supporters of the lifeboat station and the RNLI.
The spirit of service Lou found at the RNLI has continued throughout her life; she spent 9 years volunteering for the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust as a ship mate and team leader on sailing trips, as well as supporting with fundraising.
Mark Southwell, Cowes RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager, also attended the wedding and was pictured with the couple.
Mark said:
“Once you join the RNLI family, you are part of it for life. For many at the station, volunteering provides more than just technical training; it offers a support network that remains long after their service ends. I am so happy to see the positive effects of volunteering echoing across Lou and James’ lives. Congratulations to them both from all of us at the station.”
Many many congratulations.
A loverly sweet story, I hope they have many happy years together. X