Having devoted over 41 years to RNLI fundraising, Sheilah
Parnell has been awarded the RNLI’s highest award a fundraising volunteer
can achieve – Honorary Life Governor.
The award will be
presented at the RNLI’s Annual
Presentation of Awards in London on 22nd May 2008 and has also
been invited to attend the South West Awards Ceremony at The Lifeboat
College in Poole on the 20th June 2008.
Sheilah is the only
recipient in the South West Region this year. The award reflects her years
of hard work and dedication to Newquay RNLI. It is also a great mark of
respect for the Newquay Guild acknowledging the amazing hard work that they
do each year.
Sheilah comes from a
family steeped in RNLI commitment, RNLI has been very much part of her life
from an early age. Her great grandfather, Jim Clemens, was Coxswain of
Newquay Lifeboat in the 1860's, her grandfather, Harry Storey, also a crew
member was drowned from Newquay Lifeboat during an exercise in 1908, her
father, Ewart Kennedy, was crew during the war years and her two sons Roger
and David have also been crew members at Newquay.
Sheilah's the one with the most hair - and
glasses - just in case you weren't sure....
Robin Martin,
Regional Fundraising Manager says:
“Sheilah joined the
Newquay Guild in 1966 taking on the role of assistant treasurer then
treasurer the following year. She held this post for six years before
handing over the role and becoming President in 1973 of this active Lifeboat
Ladies Guild. As President of the Guild she has given outstanding support to
the other officials and members and still even today takes an active role in
nearly all the fundraising events that the guild hold including its annual
Newquay Lifeboat Day. Sheila thoroughly deserves this very special award.”
Sheilah Parnell
says:
“I was really
surprised to get the letter from Andrew Freemantle, and very proud indeed.
Forty one years seems a life time and my heart will always be in Newquay
Lifeboat. I know the Guild would like to get some younger ladies to step on
board so to say, we keep on hoping!
“I take pride in
knowing that our hard work helps to fund the RNLI’s exemplary lifesaving
service. The money raised supports our volunteer crew, ensuring they receive
the best training and equipment they need to save lives at sea.”
Read the
Western Morning News article
