On the RNLI's 200th anniversary, the charity's Chief Executive reflects on his 5 years at the wheel In the final episode of 200 Voices, hear from the person who has led the RNLI through some of its toughest challenges and into our 200th anniversary year: the charity's Chief Executive, Mark Dowie. With a love for the RNLI that grew from helping with rescues as a young sailor and later signing up as a volunteer at a lifeboat station, Mark took the helm of the charity in 2019. He reflects on his fa...
Mar 04, 2024•18 min•Ep. 200
200 Voices might be a podcast, but when the composer of the theme music created the soundtrack, it was a movie that played in his head The sea doesn’t want for drama. And with its ever-changing moods - from blissful calm to surging swells - it has long inspired musicians. In it, Jon Nicholls, composer of the 200 Voices soundtrack, finds beauty and danger in equal measure. Jon reveals how he went about creating the music for the series, and shares some of the influences that shaped his choices, s...
Mar 03, 2024•11 min•Ep. 199
The writer of One Crew – an RNLI history book – recounts some of the names and stories that time forgot Over 200 years the RNLI has saved more than 144,000 lives. Many rescues and achievements are rightly celebrated, but some sit below the horizon. So when maritime historian Helen Doe set about the daunting task of capturing 2 centuries’ worth of lifesaving and loss, the author decided that it was time some of the lesser-known examples of courage, commitment and sacrifice were included. In her b...
Mar 02, 2024•12 min•Ep. 198
In Welsh, Porthdinllaen crew member and TV producer Mali Parry-Jones recalls the real-life drama of a call out to a sailor who’d suffered a stroke Growing up on the Llyn Peninsula, Mali was always aware of her local lifeboat. Porthdinllaen RNLI was the constant backdrop to her childhood, whether she was hearing the maroons firing or pedalling her bike to spot the launch. By 2012 Mali was a TV producer and new crew member, helping Welsh language channel S4C to document the departure of the statio...
Mar 01, 2024•14 min•Ep. 197
The force behind the launch - Mark Smith on powering his crew to a Silver Medal rescue When his pager went off on 20 May 2021, Trearddur Bay RNLI Tractor Driver Mark Smith knew exactly what it was about. Moments before, he’d looked out of his window and spotted three surfers struggling in treacherous swell and waves. Mark talks about the incredibly challenging shout, which led to his fellow volunteer crew members receiving Silver and Bronze Medals, and Mark himself receiving the Director of Oper...
Feb 29, 2024•9 min•Ep. 196
The charity's founder was a man on a mission. In his words from 1823, we see the same guiding vision that’s saving lives 2 centuries later On 28 February 1823, RNLI founder Sir William Hillary wrote his Appeal to the Nation. It set out his vision for a voluntary organisation, supported by charitable donations to save lives at sea. A vision so forward-thinking that its principles hold true today. As Heritage Archive and Research Manager, it’s Hayley Whiting’s job to look after this document, and ...
Feb 28, 2024•15 min•Ep. 195
Former Torbay RNLI Coxswain Keith Bower remembers a life-changing rescue On December 6, 1976, just before 1am, when most were sleeping soundly, Torbay RNLI’s then Acting Coxswain Keith Bower was woken by an urgent call for help. It marked the start of a shout for which Keith was awarded a Gold Medal for Conspicuous Gallantry. Faced with storm conditions, 12m waves and crew members suffering seasickness, Keith recalls the extreme challenges of rescuing the crew of the motor vessel, Lyrma. Despite...
Feb 27, 2024•20 min•Ep. 194
It was anything but a day of rest – a legendary St Davids Coxswain on his greatest test For local fisherman Dai Chant, volunteering on the St Davids lifeboat was perhaps inevitable. On 26 February 1989, the Mayday call came in for his most dangerous shout – to lead the rescue of four fellow fishermen, as their trawler Stephanie Jane dragged perilously towards South Bishop Lighthouse. Coxswain Chant takes us out into the boiling seas and rocky islands off the Pembrokeshire coast. From screaming w...
Feb 26, 2024•11 min•Ep. 193
In an age of selfies, photographer Jack Lowe uses Victorian methods on his quest to capture lifeboat crew from every RNLI lifeboat station. He tells us why For a 200-year-old institution, it’s fitting that photographer Jack Lowe’s Lifeboat Station Project allows us to see the modern work of the RNLI through a historical lens – quite literally. In 2015, Jack set out on a 10-year mission in his mobile darkroom – a converted ambulance he aptly named Neena – to photograph crew members at all 238 RNL...
Feb 25, 2024•17 min•Ep. 192
The 20th Chairman of the RNLI reflects on why 200 years of lifesaving connects us all What does it mean to be part of the RNLI? In his lifelong connection with our charity, Charles Hunter-Pease has been gathering stories to answer that question. From his childhood hearing the maroons fire and awaiting the Filey lifeboat crew’s safe return, Charles has gone on to support the RNLI as both a businessman and a volunteer. When he became RNLI Chairman in 2013, his energy and enthusiasm was matched by ...
Feb 24, 2024•9 min•Ep. 191
At the RNLI, we don’t just answer calls for help. Alison Murphy on the privilege of hearing from our supporters Phone the RNLI to ask a question, make a donation or just have a chat, and you’ll speak to Alison or one of her 26-strong team. For more than 20 years, the Supporter Experience Manager has been one of the friendly, compassionate voices answering your calls. From Christmas Day companionship to lunch with royalty, Alison explains why this is no ordinary call-centre job. She shares some o...
Feb 23, 2024•11 min•Ep. 190
When seasoned swimmer Michael got into difficulty, open-water safety training guided him - and his crew - onshore Many of us have been discovering the joys of winter dips lately. Michael’s cold-water odyssey started with cold showers and learning the Wim Hof Method of breathing. Now you’ll find him dipping in Scarborough’s North or South Bay several times a week. For Michael, getting into chilly water and warming up onshore boosts his circulation and leaves him feeling sharper in his mind. But o...
Feb 22, 2024•10 min•Ep. 189
When Dom Jackson went missing while kayaking in 2017, a 5-day search ensued. Since his death, his sister Ellie has called on others to take vital steps to keep themselves safe at sea It wasn’t unusual for Dom to head off on an outdoor adventure - he had an adventurous spirit - but when he failed to return home after a lone kayaking trip, Ellie knew it was serious. Lost at sea, in freezing conditions, his body was found by the RNLI after a massive search, bringing Ellie both despair and relief th...
Feb 21, 2024•16 min•Ep. 188
Protection, layering, flexibility – the team behind our latest crew kit explain what makes the ultimate ‘cape’ for lifeboat heroes Which reflective material shines through fog? How high should a jacket collar be to protect crew in the harshest conditions? These questions – and more – have been put to the test by the Helly Hansen Pro team, who partnered with the RNLI to develop our new crew kit in 2018. Category Manager Oliver Flaser describes how, by working closely with crew members, Helly Hans...
Feb 20, 2024•13 min•Ep. 187
To survive for over 4 hours in freezing waters, two friends turn their thoughts to home Benny Thomson remembers 25 November 2012 as the day that changed his life forever. It would set him on a new career path, and on a course to volunteer beside his rescuers at Broughty Ferry RNLI. On an ill-fated jet ski trip, lifelong friends Benny and Gavin found themselves in the ‘washing machine’ waters of Abertay Sands. In this emotional episode, Benny shares what went through their minds as hope of rescue...
Feb 19, 2024•16 min•Ep. 186
Ripped from her surfboard and alone in the waves, Ruth held on to advice that would save her life For Ruth Osborne, a holiday in Cornwall sparked a move to Newquay and a sport that captured her heart. Learning beside competent surfers, she became more confident in the waves. But she always feared losing her board and being left out of her depth. When the worst happened, Ruth had to catch her breath in the chaos of the impact zone. As crashing waves built around her, she drew on a chance conversa...
Feb 18, 2024•11 min•Ep. 185
After the Penlee lifeboat disaster, the RNLI’s collection boxes overflowed with donations. Val Nixon MBE fought through ice and snow to help keep up with the outpouring of generosity The winter of 1981 was one of the coldest on record. Snow and ice meant the RNLI closed the north-east office early for Christmas. But, on the morning after the Penlee disaster on 19 December, Val Nixon managed to get through the severe weather to open the office and help. Even though they were hundreds of miles fro...
Feb 17, 2024•14 min•Ep. 184
Diane Allton suffered from aquaphobia and couldn’t swim. At 55, she confronted her fears and took the plunge The bravery of RNLI volunteer lifeboat crews is clear to see. But courage can come in other guises – and for Diane, confronting her fear of water has taken great strength. A traumatic event when she was a teenager left Diane with aquaphobia. For years she avoided water until World Drowning Prevention Day 2023, when she heard about swimming lessons taking place. In this inspiring episode, ...
Feb 16, 2024•11 min•Ep. 183
The late John Sharp’s gift to the RNLI honours his remarkable family history in helping to save lives at sea When John Sharp passed away in 2019, he left a generous gift to the Charities Aid Foundation and wrote a letter to his brother, Anthony, with a list of charities to consider as beneficiaries – one of which was the RNLI. Anthony shares how, in his retirement, John had researched the Sharp family tree, which revealed that his ancestor (also named John Sharp) had commissioned one of Lionel L...
Feb 15, 2024•8 min•Ep. 182
200 Voices producer and former Kessock RNLI volunteer Dan Holland on the day he knew he wanted to be a lifeboat crew member In this episode, we turn the mic to one of the producers behind the series. At the age of 8, Dan Holland stood in awe watching Flamborough RNLI lifeboat launch into the waves, vowing that one day, he would volunteer. He literally had the T-shirt. Dan made good on his wish, later joining the crew at Kessock for 14 years, 5 of them as helm. He recalls being on the lifeboat at...
Feb 14, 2024•16 min•Ep. 181
The RNLI’s Artwork Manager reveals the painstaking work that goes into colourising the charity’s archive photos, and reveals the stories behind three of them Extraordinary stories from ordinary people deserve to be remembered. And 200 Voices is one way in which the RNLI is ensuring that these stories are not forgotten. But it’s not the only way. David Constant leads the RNLI's Artwork team - who usually lay out the charity's communications and campaigns and prepare them for print. But with a big...
Feb 13, 2024•11 min•Ep. 180
From polishing the lifeboat station brass as a child, to seeing his own son join the crew, Mike Picknett’s connection to the RNLI is lifelong Man and boy – and beyond. That’s the way to describe Mike Picknett’s service with the RNLI. Currently Lifeboat Operations Manager at Redcar Lifeboat Station, Mike was sweeping the lifeboat station floor at the tender age of nine, and his family’s connection with the lifeboat goes back generations. Mike recalls his work with the flood rescue team - rescuing...
Feb 12, 2024•17 min•Ep. 179
After losing her brother to the sea in 2020, Terri Peay is taking on a 200km challenge on behalf of the RNLI, which helped her family in an hour of need Exercise as therapy is a strategy many of us are familiar with – and it’s her passion for running that helps Terri Peay cope with the death of her brother, Dan, whose body was recovered from the sea by the RNLI. Determined to give something back to the organisation that brought her brother home to rest, Terri is running the London marathon as pa...
Feb 11, 2024•9 min•Ep. 178
When Evan Chrisp was pulled out to sea by a rip current his father feared for his son’s life – but a simple, powerful message Evan had seen at the cinema helped save him It was every parent’s nightmare. Simon Chrisp had taken his son Evan and a group of his friends to the beach when disaster struck. Simon recalls the moment he realised Evan was in grave danger in the sea and recounts the turmoil he endured, fighting his instinct to jump in and try to rescue his son himself. Unbeknownst to Simon,...
Feb 10, 2024•11 min•Ep. 177
In 1861, all but one of the RNLI Whitby crew died when their lifeboat capsized. David Freeman reveals what saved his ancestor, Henry Freeman In Whitby, they’re planning to add a new statue to the Whitby Sculpture Trail – a series that depicts notable figures in homage to the heritage and history of the town. The new sculpture – part of a planned RNLI-themed garden – will be of a silver-medal-winning RNLI lifesaver by the name of Henry Freeman. When his lifeboat capsized in a storm, Henry was the...
Feb 09, 2024•9 min•Ep. 176
The first female helm in the 170-year history of RNLI Cullercoats, Anna Heslop has helped pave the way for other women to get onboard - including her mum Anna joined Cullercoats Lifeboat Station at 17, and for a while, was the only female at the station. Now, there are nine women involved, including Anna’s partner, Jane, and Anna’s mother, who is Lifeboat Operations Manager. Anna talks about her experience of being a female helm, and about how, in December 2022, the Cullercoats lifeboat launched...
Feb 08, 2024•12 min•Ep. 175
Sliney skills: The Spiderman illustrator on saving lives for real Will Sliney is a man with a lot to live up to. In his day job as a graphic artist, he spends his time in the company of heroes such as Spider-Man. But the Marvel and Star Wars illustrator has an illustrious backstory himself. Will is a volunteer with the Ballycotton lifeboat crew, continuing a family tradition that dates back to at least great-grandfather Patsy Sliney, one of Ireland’s most decorated lifeboat volunteers. Patsy was...
Feb 07, 2024•11 min•Ep. 174
Cromer veteran Ted Luckin BEM shares his memories of Henry Blogg, the RNLI’s most decorated lifesaver The word ‘legend’ is often used lightly. But Henry Blogg truly was one. During 53 years’ service at Cromer, the RNLI’s most decorated crew member helped to save 873 lives. Former Cromer Helm Ted Luckin knew Henry, and in this episode he shares his memories of the man. Over 6 decades, Ted has performed almost every role at the station, so is a bit of a legend himself. It all started when he was i...
Feb 06, 2024•10 min•Ep. 173
In 1914, nine Fethard volunteers lost their lives whilst saving others. Current Helm Eoin Bird on the family members who made the ultimate sacrifice Selfless. Dependable. Trustworthy. Courageous. These are the values that RNLI crew members live by. And they were perhaps never more in evidence than in February 1914, when, in a vicious storm, Fethard volunteers went to the aid of the schooner, Mexico. What followed was an epic 3-day ordeal. Present-day Fethard crew member Eoin Bird tells the story...
Feb 05, 2024•9 min•Ep. 172
Rain or shine, the RNLI’s face-to-face fundraisers are out talking to the public. John Connolly shares his experience of working on the front line - and a personal story of an RNLI rescue John knows all too well the dangers of the sea. His son was once saved by a lifeguard in Cornwall, and that very same evening, John received the news that a close friend had been killed by a jet ski. In this episode, the RNLI fundraiser talks about dealing with rejection and developing a thick skin. But also ab...
Feb 04, 2024•12 min•Ep. 171
