13/06/2026
We couldnāt be more proud of our eight volunteers and staff recognised in His Majesty The Kingās Birthday Honours, each awarded for their remarkable dedication to saving lives at sea š
With more than four decades of unwavering commitment, Eric Taylor has carried forward a proud RNLI family legacy stretching back generations, turning a lifelong passion into outstanding impact. As Chair of the Penlee Lifeboat Fundraising Branch, his leadership has helped raise nearly half a million pounds, leaving a lasting mark on the station and its future.
For over 34 years, Ian Stroud has been a cornerstone of the Porthcawl RNLI Lifeboat community, dedicating his time both on and off the water to support our lifesaving work. From crew member to trusted leader and voice of the station, his tireless commitment has championed volunteers, raised awareness, and strengthened vital community connections.
Phill Corsiās exceptional 44-year journey with the RNLI includes his volunteer service at Newhaven RNLI since the age of 17, progressing to a coxswain and then onto senior operational leadership, showing dedication at every level. From commanding rescues at sea to guiding operations across the south east, his legacy is one of courage, leadership and lifelong commitment to saving lives.
With an incredible 70 years of service, Les Coe has dedicated a lifetime protecting and supporting his local community at RNLI Walmer Lifeboat. From brave rescues to decades of operational leadership, his enduring dedication and passion are an inspiration.
Andy Burdenās service reflects a lifetime of commitment, combining more than 13 years with the RNLI alongside over 40 years in the Royal Air Force and Ministry of Defence - MoD. As Lifeboat Operations Manager at RNLI Cleethorpes, he continues to lead with humility and purpose, dedicating himself to supporting others, particularly veterans, and strengthening the communities he serves.
Jono Dodd is the incredible Helm at RNLI West Kirby Lifeboat and has dedicated nearly 40 years to the RNLI, holding a number of roles between West Kirby and RNLI Hoylake Lifeboat Station. We're proud to see his unwavering commitment to the RNLI be recognised.
With more than 36 years of dedicated service, RNLI Lochinver Lifeboat Coxswain David Macaskill played a vital role in numerous rescues along the north-west coast of Scotland. From receiving the RNLI Bronze Medal for Gallantry following a challenging night-time rescue to serving his local community in so many ways, we're so glad David is being recognised for his amazing RNLI career.
Former Chair of the RNLI Penrith Fundraising Branch, Brenda Couzens, has also been recognised for her long-standing dedication to the RNLI and her significant contribution to saving lives at sea. For nearly 30 years, she has undertaken a range of roles including committee member and branch secretary, raising thousands of pounds to support our frontline lifesavers.
Congratulations to Eric, Ian, Les, Andy and Brenda on your incredible British Empire Medals (BEM), and Phill, Jono and David on receiving a much deserved Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) š
RNLI Chief Executive, Peter Sparkes said: āI am always astounded by the dedication of our volunteers and staff and these six are testament to the commitment demonstrated by so many of our people.
'Over 70 years of selfless service is truly remarkable, and Les Coe is by no means alone in this achievement; so many of our volunteers give decades of their time to saving lives at sea.
'Whatever their role, they are all lifesavers and the RNLI couldnāt do what we do without them powering our frontline services with passion, talent and kindness.
'My heartfelt congratulations to these six Honours recipients, and as we enter our peak summer season, my thanks go to the thousands of volunteers who give their time so generously to the RNLI.ā
[Visual description: A collage. The first man is in RNLI crew kit, standing facing the camera on a beach, with the name Andy Burden in text. The second man is wearing a black jacket and leaning against an RNLI lifeboat, with the name Ian Stroud in text. The third man is standing in RNLI crew kit in front of an RNLI tractor with the text, Jono Dodd. The fourth man is standing in a crowd of people and smiling at the camera, with the name Eric Taylor in text. He has medals on his suit jacket. The fifth man is wearing a suit and smiling at the camera, with the name Phill Corsi in text. The sixth man is smiling at the camera in a shirt and tie in front of a black background, with the name Les Coe in text. The seventh man is in a shirt and tie, holding a medal in a display box. He has two similarly dressed men standing on either side of him, with the text David Macaskill. The eighth is a lady in a padded blue jacket, holding a framed certificate. She's smiling at the camera, with the text Brenda Couzens. ]
