Lifeboat volunteer must stop at 70
A PENSIONER who volunteered for the RNLI has been told he is no longer wanted for “operational duties” as a cleaner because he is 70.
Paul Staveley, who has given 48 years’ service, was told the shock news last week as he prepared to resume his Wednesday night shift – leaving him heartbroken.
He retired from serving at sea at the age of 55 then enrolled for cleaning duties at Bridlington RNLI.
The charity say the normal retirement age for shore-based crew is 65, but Mr Staveley has been allowed to work an extra five years.
But the announcement has left his family “disgusted”.
On Facebook, his son Alex said: “I am very upset and hurt by what they have done to my father. He’s put the Bridlington lifeboat before himself and family.
“By being on call he’s had to sacrifice nights out with his friends and days out with his family. I think this is disgusting and disrespectful after everything he has done.”
Mr Staveley’s wife Carole said her husband loved “doing the jobs nobody else wants to do”.
She said: “It was a very big part of his life. I am disappointed and disgusted at the way he has been treated.”
Carole said what made matters worse was the manner her husband was told after returning from a holiday. She added: “If the situation had been dealt with in a more professional manner maybe he would not have felt so let down.”
The RNLI said they would like Mr Staveley to remain at the lifeboat station but in a non-operational role such as a visits officer.
A spokesman said: “We are sorry to hear Mr Staveley and his family are upset. We recognise that Mr Staveley has served Bridlington RNLI as a volunteer for many years and if possible would like him to remain at the lifeboat station.”
A spokesman for the National Council for Voluntary Organisations, said: “Volunteering is a great thing for people of all ages to do. Charities will always try to find someone a role.”