Littlehampton RNLI volunteer gets ready to spend Christmas on call
and live on Freeview channel 276
Bea, who joined the station as shore crew in February, will have her eye on her pager during the festivities, while partner Ian Foden, who stood down from being RNLI crew earlier this year, will take over duties at home preparing the Christmas roast.
Becoming crew has been a dream come true for Bea who grew up in Selsey.
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Hide AdShe used to watch the maroons go up to alert the town’s lifeboat to launch and was so impressed that at ten years old she undertook a sponsored walk to raise funds for the RNLI.
When she moved to Littlehampton last year she finally got the chance to join the crew, starting as shore crew, helping launch and recover the lifeboat, and now as a trainee crew member on the lifeboats.
Bea, who works as a management accountant for the NHS, said: “I didn’t imagine at ten years old I would end up at 44 bouncing around at sea.
“I was a bit worried and anxious to start with, but as soon as we exited the harbour it was just amazing. You can’t describe that feeling.”
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Hide AdPartner Ian has already had to get used to Bea dashing off a moments’ notice. The couple have family coming over for Christmas this year but it will be a new experience with Bea now on the crew.
“It will be the first year for me where I’ll be leaving the turkey and leaving him to it,” she said. “It is very much, you go, you drop whatever point of the roast you are at. You just have to go.
“He is incredibly supportive, it’s fantastic. I don’t think you can volunteer in this role without the absolute support of your partner.”
Bea is one of thousands of RNLI volunteers who will be on call this Christmas and is asking people to support the charity’s Christmas appeal.
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Hide AdOver the past decade, RNLI lifeboats have launched over 1,200 times during the festive period. The charity said these rescues would not be possible without donations from the RNLI’s generous supporters.
Anyone who would like to make a donation to the RNLI’s Christmas appeal can do so online, via the website.