Lifesaver honoured at Buckingham Palace
PORTHCAWL RNLI volunteer Aileen Jones has been presented with an MBE by the Duke of Cambridge at a ceremony in Buckingham Palace.
Aileen, who has been a volunteer at Porthcawl since 1995, is also the RNLI’s first female crew member to receive a Bronze Medal for gallantry.
She was accompanied at the palace by her family, husband Steve, daughter Frances and son Dan, all of whom have also been volunteers in Porthcawl.
Both Aileen and Steve are retired helms and now hold the office of Deputy Launch Authority.
Daughter Frances was a crew member until university took her away from the town and son Dan is currently a crew member.
“It was a complete surprise and honour when I was awarded the MBE for service to the RNLI,” said Aileen.
“To have my family with me at Buckingham Palace made it really special day for me. Being a RNLI volunteer has been a huge part of our family life, both children from their younger years were familiar with lifeboat crew and the commitment of volunteers.
“Steve and I were so proud that both Franc- es and Dan joined the crew as soon as they were old enough.”
Lifeboat Operations Manager at Porthcawl, Philip Missen MBE said: “We are all so proud of Aileen who has been a stalwart at our lifeboat station.
“She was one of our first female crew members and then qualified as one of the first RNLI female helms. During a rescue of two casualties on a commercial fishing boat in difficulty out in the Bristol Channel, Aileen demonstrated her seamanship and courage when, as helmsman, she was recognised for these skills and became the RNLI’s first female crew member in the history of the charity to receive a Bronze Medal for gallantry.
“Her award of the MBE is recognition of the commitment Aileen has shown to the RNLI and to our lifeboat station here in Porthcawl.”