Exmouth RNLI volunteer recognised for 60 years of service

Brian Cole, who was rescued by the RNLI after falling off a cliff 65 years ago, aged 17, has supported the RNLI ever since.

Steve Hocking-Thompson, Exmouth RNLI coxswain, who presented Brian with his long service medal, said: "Brian has been a committed and enthusiastic RNLI volunteer and fundraiser for over 60 years and richly deserves his long service medal.

"It is a fantastic achievement, and it has been a privilege for all of us to have him as part of our team."

Brian being presented with his long service medal (Image: RNLI)

In 1959, Brian was holidaying with friends in Brixham when he climbed up a cliff, but a rock gave way and he fell 200 feet.

A policeman called RNLI Torbay, and the inshore lifeboat rescued him from the rocks at the base of the cliff.

He was then transferred to the all-weather lifeboat (ALB), Princess Alexandra of Kent, which brought him to Brixham Quay where an ambulance was waiting to rush him to hospital.

A major operation revealed that Brian had dented his skull, but there was no damage to the brain.

Several weeks later, he recovered sufficiently to start his new job with the Civil Service Ministry of Labour and National Service in Bath.

Brian said: "I was so grateful to the RNLI that every year after that, I collected for the RNLI at work and began to give talks about my experience and the great work of the RNLI around Bath and later around Yeovil when I moved there."

Brian has lived in Exmouth since 1976 with his late wife Jill, who died in 1993.

Brian married Beryl in 1996 and she has continued to support him in his various voluntary roles including giving talks, working as the station admin officer and latterly as an Exmouth RNLI tour guide.

To this day, Brian is a valued member of the visits team, giving tours of the station.

Ian Rick, Exmouth RNLI lifeboat visits officer, said: "Brian is positive, cheerful and always laughing and very popular with visitors and fellow volunteers."

On 4 March 2024, the RNLI celebrated 200 years of saving lives at sea – thanks to volunteers giving their time to save others, all funded by voluntary public donations.

Throughout its 200th anniversary year, the charity is running events and activities to commemorate its history, celebrate the lifesaving service it provides today, and inspire generations of future lifesavers and supporters.