RNLI's women volunteers praised for vital work

The vital contribution of female volunteers at Sheerness RNLI is being celebrated for International Women's Day on Sunday.

From volunteer lifeboat crew and fundraisers to water safety officers and press officers, they have been credited with playing an integral role in helping the charity continue its lifesaving work.

Among them at the Isle of Sheppey station is Kim Braysher, who joined in 2023 with no maritime background and is now an inshore lifeboat navigator.

"Joining the RNLI means you can make a real difference and become the lifeline someone needs," said the 52-year-old. "Your skills and passion help keep our coasts and rivers safe."

Rachel Collier, 49, also had no seafaring background when she first joined eight years ago, but is now a coxswain.

"I never knew I could achieve so much, and any women out there thinking about joining should come and see what they too can do," she said.

Fundraising volunteer Jodie Ketteridge, 47, who lives on a barge with her family and regularly sails with her nine-year-old son, said volunteering is her way of giving back to the sailing community.

Also wanting to set an example for the next generation, she said: "It's important I show my son that women play a vital role in every aspect of the RNLI."

Other members of the fundraising team include Helen Gourley, Maya Wheeler and Zoe Spoor, 38, along with Launch Authority and Water Safety Officer, Clare Streeter, and Lifeboat Press Officer, Megan Carr.

The latter, a 25-year-old local reporter, explained how the RNLI has always been close to her heart.

She said: "My dad volunteered as crew at Gravesend RNLI for many years, so it's always been a charity that means a lot to my family.

"And it's wonderful to volunteer alongside such dedicated and hard-working women."

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