KING’S AWARD PRESENTED TO LIFE-SAVING VOLUNTEERS OF SANDOWN & SHANKLIN INDEPENDENT LIFEBOAT

Lord-Lieutenant Susie Sheldon has congratulated the volunteers of Sandown & Shanklin Independent Lifeboat on being awarded The King’s Award for Voluntary Service. Acting as the King’s representative, Mrs Sheldon presented a unique glass award and certificate to the lifeboat’s stalwart, Mark Birch. The presentation, at Sandown’s Broadway Centre on Friday 12th July, included a citation read by Deputy Lieutenant Dr Nick England, with an audience of almost 100. Those present included newly-elected East Wight MP Joe Robertson, Sandown Mayor Alex Lightfoot, former Mayors Heather Humby MBE, Paddy Lightfoot and Gary Young, plus Chair and Vice-Chair of the Isle of Wight Council Karl Love and Vanessa Churchman. Lord-Lieutenant Susie Sheldon said:

“The selfless dedication and commitment of Mark Birch, the crew and the support team of fundraisers and volunteers, more than deserve recognition with the award of the Kings Award of Voluntary Services. “The independent lifeboat team are only 1 of 262 recipients nationally, and it was a delight to see the importance of the award to Mark and all involved”.

Coxswain Mark Birch added:

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“It was a great honour to accept the award on behalf of the crew and all involved with Sandown & Shanklin Independent Lifeboat, especially from the Lord-Lieutenant who has been incredibly supportive since coming into post”.

Lifeboat volunteers also enjoyed a specially made Kings Award cake, cut by the Lord-Lieutenant, with all members receiving special Kings Award badges in recognition of their individual contribution and service to the community of The Bay and the Island. Created in 2002 to celebrate Queen Elizabeth II’s Golden Jubilee, the Award, now the King’s Award, shines a light on the fantastic work of voluntary groups across the country and is equivalent to the MBE. It is the highest award given to local voluntary groups.