After eight years of dedicated volunteering at Porthcawl RNLI lifeboat station, Ruth is handing back her yellow wellies as she fulfils her lifelong dream with a move to Perranporth in Cornwall.

Ruth began volunteering at Porthcawl RNLI in 2017. During that time she has volunteered as shore crew, a launch vehicle driver and had a short period as afloat crew. Ruth has attended 99 service calls as shore crew or a launch vehicle driver and 3 service calls as afloat crew.

In one of the afloat service calls which Ruth attended a fisherman’s life was saved at Ogmore By Sea after he was dragged from the water unconscious by passers-by who began CPR before Porthcawl RNLI’s crew took over. The incident was featured in series 9 of the popular BBC television programme, ‘Saving Lives At Sea.’

Speaking about her time at Porthcawl RNLI, Ruth said:

‘It has been a great privilege to be a part of an amazing team of volunteers. Although I’ve given up my time to volunteer, I’ve got back so much more and my life has been all the better for it. The friendships and bonds I’ve made with people from a wide range of ages and backgrounds are life changing and I’ve always been accepted for who I am. I’m so proud to have been a part of this let alone the fact that we are saving lives at sea.

‘During my time volunteering I spent a short period as afloat crew but sadly sea sickness got the better of me. As a result I soon realised I was more help in the equally important role of shore crew and I got to learn to drive the launch vehicles. I’m really going to miss the friends I have made at Porthcawl RNLI but I’ll be back to visit for a cuppa and they are all welcome to visit me in Cornwall too.’

Andrew Walmsley, lifeboat operations manager of Porthcawl RNLI said:

‘On behalf of all the volunteers at Porthcawl Lifeboat Station, I would like to say a huge thank you to Ruth for her many years of hard work and dedication to the RNLI. This thanks is also extended to Ruth’s wife Ju and other family and friends who have supported her during her dedicated service at Porthcawl RNLI.

‘We couldn’t save lives at sea without the incredible commitment of volunteers like Ruth. We wish her and Ju well for everything the future holds.’