Penarth RNLI volunteer honoured at London thanksgiving service

Volunteers from Penarth RNLI attended the RNLI’s special service of Thanksgiving to mark the charity’s bicentenary at Westminster Abbey along with representatives from RNLI lifesaving communities.

There was a display of historic and modern lifeboats. The Archbishop of Canterbury, The Duke of Kent and Vice Admiral Sir Timothy Laurence, husband of the Princess Royal, were in attendance leading the celebrations.

Jen Payne (Helm), Neil Cunningham (Water Safety Advisor) and Nick White (Local Press Officers). Jen represented women in search and rescue in a historic moment for the lifesaving charity.

Jen Payne inshore lifeboat volunteer at Penarth with Áine Flynn from Ballycotton’s all-weather lifeboat and Jersey lifeguard Nelly Gallican. Picture: RNLI (Image: RNLI)Jen told the Penarth Times that she was thrilled to be asked to be involved with the ceremonies.

She said: “It was an honour to meet the Duke of Kent, it was a humbling experience and to be surrounded by so many selfless volunteers made it even more special.

“I could feel the weight of the event, the importance of the moment and the majesty of the venue. All very fitting for the RNLI’s 200th year Celebration.”

Jen who is the Helm on Penarth’s inshore lifeboat, stood outside the Abbey to represent the women volunteers who came before, celebrate the women volunteers of today and inspire the next generation.

With courage, nothing is impossible. Picture: RNLI (Image: RNLI)She added: “It’s incredible to think how far the RNLI have come from oar-powered lifeboats to the modern lifesaving boats we use today.

“We are looking forward to the next 200 years building a sustainable and inclusive organisation which is driven by people with the skills, dedication, bravery and commitment to take this incredible lifesaving organisation into the future.”