By Lisa Ramsden
A Kilkeel man who has devoted 70 years of his life to supporting the RNLI has made history.
At a special event in Belfast, Merwyn Hanna MBE was presented with a lifetime achievement award – the first in the history of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution.
He was honoured for his “outstanding” contribution and commitment, not only to his local lifeboat station but also to its fundraising branch, at Friday’s event held in the historic Harbour Commissioners Office in Belfast.
Long service awards are the RNLI’s way of recognising the dedication and commitment of its volunteers.
During last week’s event, invited guests were acknowledged for their long service and commended for their involvement in a number of rescues.
Merwyn’s involvement with the charity began long before Kilkeel had its own lifeboat station. Initially, he was involved in fundraising for the RNLI in general, having joined the organisation’s fundraising committee in 1956.
Then, in 1986, when the busy fishing town welcomed its first lifeboat, he also became one of the station’s launch authorities.
This crucial land-based role involved assessing 999 emergencies, making decisions on whether to launch the lifeboat, and co-ordinating responses with the station’s crew.
Having held this position for 14 years while remaining heavily involved in fundraising branch duties, Merwyn later took on the role of the lifeboat station’s operations manager.
Subsequently, he was appointed station president, and in 2005 he was awarded an MBE by the late Queen Elizabeth II for his service to the RNLI.
Mr Hanna is also an honorary life governor of the local lifeboat station about which he remains deeply passionate.
With a lifelong love of, and respect for, the sea, Merwyn said that being involved with the RNLI for so many years has been a privilege.
He added that he remains “full of admiration” for lifeboat volunteers and those who fund the lifesaving service, which is supported almost entirely by the public through donations, legacies and fundraising.
Merwyn speaks modestly of his tireless efforts.
“This is not just about me, we are all cogs in the wheel,” he said, adding that Friday’s ceremony was a wonderful event.
