Porthcawl RNLI has recently welcomed Dr. Maria Cronje to the role of volunteer Lifeboat Medical Advisor.

Maria works as a GP and is a senior partner at North Cornelly Surgery. In the role of Lifeboat Medical Advisor, Maria will be responsible for crew medicals and welfare which is essential to help Porthcawl RNLI save lives at sea by ensuring the volunteer crew are fit and healthy in order to fulfil their sea going roles.

Phil Missen MBE, Lifeboat Operations Manager at Porthcawl RNLI, said: ‘we are delighted to welcome Maria to the role of Lifeboat Medical Advisor. Maria is well known amongst our operational team being married to Etienne who has been a crew member at Porthcawl for many years. Etienne is a paramedic so having them both involved is a real asset to the station. Etienne and Maria have four children yet still find time to volunteer at Porthcawl RNLI despite their busy occupations and family life.

‘Maria has been a great help to our station even before joining us in this new role. A few years ago Maria very kindly put us in touch with her sister, actress Ruth Jones who is known for her role as Nessa in Gavin and Stacey. Ruth obligingly agreed to organise a fantastic evening of entertainment and fundraising for us at the Grand Pavilion, Porthcawl. Ruth compered the evening in character as Nessa and called in favours from many of her other famous friends who performed during the night. The evening raised around £18,000 for Porthcawl RNLI.’

‘Maria’s appointment as Lifeboat Medical Advisor means we are sadly saying goodbye to Dr. Rebecca Vincent who has volunteered as Deputy Lifeboat Medical Advisor for the last few years but leaves us due to changes in her personal commitments. We are thankful to Rebecca for volunteering at Porthcawl RNLI over the last few years.’