Pride as Mark picks up OBE from the palace

TORBAY’S RNLI lifeboat coxswain Mark Criddle has been to Buckingham Palace to receive his OBE.

Mr Criddle was awarded the honour in the Queen’s Birthday Honours list earlier this year, and received his medal from Prince William.

It was awarded for Mark’s enduring service to maritime safety.

The RNLI describes him as “a highly regarded and well respected leader” who has given almost 30 years of unwavering support to the RNLI.

He has held various roles including mechanic and trainer, taking on the role of coxswain for RNLI Torbay in 2002.

He has launched the lifeboat on service more than 415 times since taking on the role, and is the RNLI’s most decorated serving Coxswain.

Mark thanked his family and the RNLI volunteer team, saying: “You are only as good as the people you surround yourself with, and I am extremely lucky to have such a supportive family and outstanding crew to serve alongside at Torbay RNLI.

“Receiving the OBE was a very proud moment – not only for myself and my family, but also for everyone at the RNLI Torbay station and Brixham as a whole – and Prince William was great!”

Alongside his commitment to the RNLI, Mark volunteers with and inspires young people with his work at Brixham Rugby club, Brixham Sea Anglers Club and also takes great pride in helping with school visits in Torbay.

Mark Criddle, his wife Mel and their two sons Maitland and Marsden at Buckingham Palace