RNLI 200 Voices

10. Pulling Together: Father Tom Dalton

Irish priest – and Courtown crew member – Father Tom Dalton on his role when rescue turns to recovery
RNLI lifesavers are an eclectic bunch with a common goal – saving lives. But how do they feel when a life can’t be saved? Wexford priest and Courtown volunteer Father Tom shares his perspective on the importance of listening and closure. And says there’s always a place for what he calls ‘the medicine for all things’. 
200 Voices is produced by Adventurous Audio for the RNLIInterview by Adventurous AudioSoundtrack composed and performed by Jon NichollsThe RNLI is a charity celebrating 200 years of saving lives at sea - find out more at RNLI.org/200
 

9. Niamh Fitzpatrick Remembers One of Our Own

After losing her sister Dara at sea, Niamh Fitzpatrick reveals what the RNLI means to her
On 14 March, 2017, Irish Coast Guard helicopter 116 crashed into the sea off County Mayo, resulting in the loss of four crew members. One of those lost was Niamh Fitzpatrick’s sister, Dara. The RNLI recovered Dara’s body. Niamh explains how the RNLI helped her through the loss of her sister, and why the family’s bond with Achill Island RNLI, in particular, is so close. Niamh later drew on her experience to write the book: Tell Me the Truth About Loss: A Psychologist’s Personal Story of Loss, Grief and Finding Hope. 
To learn more about Niamh's work, visit niamhfitzpatrickpsychology.ie 
You'll find more brave conversations about living with loss in 200 Voices. Michele Jagger (Episode 114) shares how Launch a Memory has helped her to remember her daughter. And, like Niamh, Andrea Corrie (Episode 38) has found solace in writing.
200 Voices is produced by Adventurous Audio for the RNLIInterview by Adventurous AudioSoundtrack composed and performed by Jon NichollsThe RNLI is a charity celebrating 200 years of saving lives at sea - find out more at RNLI.org/200

8. Digging for Gold: Chris Beardshaw

Chris Beardshaw on the inspiration behind his medal-winning RNLI Garden at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show
To help him create the RNLI’s Chelsea Flower Show Garden, Chris Beardshaw visited Portishead RNLI as well as the charity’s all-weather lifeboat centre. Hear him talk about what inspired him, and get an insight into why he thinks the charity provides ‘the gold standard of rescue services’. 
Chris Beardshaw's garden design was the perfect tribute to our Georgian roots, while reflecting the forward-thinking organisation we are today. Hear from another designer who faced a creative challenge – sculptor Sam Holland (Episode 89) on designing the RNLI Memorial.
200 Voices is produced by Adventurous Audio for the RNLIInterview by the RNLI’s Eleanor DriscollSoundtrack composed and performed by Jon NichollsThe RNLI is a charity celebrating 200 years of saving lives at sea - find out more at RNLI.org/200

7. Porthcawl Pioneer: Aileen Jones

Volunteer Helm Aileen Jones recalls the day she and her crew saved two lives, which resulted in an RNLI Bronze Medal for Gallantry
RNLI Porthcawl’s first female Helm – Aileen Jones – takes us back to 24 August 2004, and the day she helped to save two lives. The rescue resulted in Aileen becoming the charity’s first female crew member to be awarded an RNLI Gallantry Medal. What advice would she give to aspiring lifesavers? 
200 Voices is home to a range of inspiring stories from women who have led the way. You can hear about other medal-winning firsts by Victorian heroine Grace Darling (Episode 99) and former lifeguard Sophie Grant-Crookston (Episode 20). And Di Bush (Episode 30) and Anna Heslop (Episode 175) talk about the changes seen at stations around our coasts.
200 Voices is produced by Adventurous Audio for the RNLIInterview by Adventurous AudioSoundtrack composed and performed by Jon Nicholls
The RNLI is a charity celebrating 200 years of saving lives at sea - find out more at RNLI.org/200

6. Moment of Dread: Milena Smith

There’s only one thing worse than seeing your children in trouble in the water – not seeing them. A mum recalls the day her daughters were swept out at Barmouth
We all hope we’ll never have to make a 999 call. But in August 2022, Milena – mother of 10-year-old Elsie and 12-year-old Mabel – had to do just that. Playing in the surf one minute, the girls were suddenly swept out to sea. As the two sisters drifted apart, Elsie instructed Mabel to float like a starfish. Milena explains what happened next. 
As the Float to Live message spreads, we're hearing from more and more people who've put it to the test. Find out why Finley Hassall (Episode 71) and Ruth Osborne (Episode 185) are both grateful for this lifesaving skill.
200 Voices is produced by Adventurous Audio for the RNLIInterview by Adventurous AudioSoundtrack composed and performed by Jon Nicholls
The RNLI is a charity celebrating 200 years of saving lives at sea - find out more at RNLI.org/200

5. Jim Moir – AKA Vic Reeves – on His Favourite Sketches

Jim Moir, otherwise known as Vic Reeves, on the perils of the sea. And charcoal
Best known for his comedy, Jim Moir’s twin passions are actually art and birds, which led to the Sky Arts show Painting Birds with Jim and Nancy Moir. His latest exhibition – ‘Comestibles Sir?’ – runs until 26 August at the Cornwall Contemporary Gallery. He talks to 200 Voices about getting his hands – and face – dirty for the RNLI.  
Find out more about Jim's latest exhibition at jimmoir.com or visit cornwallcontemporary.com
The RNLI has provided inspiration to painters for 200 years and counting. Catch up with RNLI crew members – and artists – Maria Barbashina (Episode 51) and Mark Taylor (Episode 80). Or listen to Kurt Jackson (Episode 58) on the moving reason he’s celebrated the RNLI in his work. 
200 Voices is produced by Adventurous Audio for the RNLIInterview by the RNLI’s Rory StampSoundtrack composed and performed by Jon NichollsThe RNLI is a charity celebrating 200 years of saving lives at sea - find out more at RNLI.org/200

4. Saving Lives at Sea: Corinna Gallop

Behind the scenes of Saving Lives at Sea: what is it about the RNLI series that keeps us watching? 
At once heart-warming and heartbreaking, the BBC’s Saving Lives at Sea has had us hooked for eight series. Senior Producer Corinna Gallop shares why she thinks we keep watching and explains how the programme has changed her. Hear why it’s the series she’s most proud of. 
Series 8 of Saving Lives at Sea is available here and on BBC iPlayer.
Several RNLI folk have been involved in bringing our stories to the airwaves. Hear from podcast producer Dan Holland (Episode 181) and TV producer Mali Parry-Jones (Episode 197). 
200 Voices is produced by Adventurous Audio for the RNLIInterview by Adventurous AudioSoundtrack composed and performed by Jon NichollsThe RNLI is a charity celebrating 200 years of saving lives at sea - find out more at RNLI.org/200
 

3. Daddy’s Gone - Hannah Williamson

Hannah Williamson describes the stomach-churning moment when she realised husband Ben had been taken by a rip
Beautiful August sunshine, a BBQ, and a bit of bodyboarding – the recipe for a perfect day at the beach. But when Hannah Williamson suddenly loses sight of husband Ben while he’s out on his board at Perran Sands, panic sets in. With no phone signal to call the Coastguard, Hannah starts to think Ben won’t be coming back. 
Know the risks and find out what to do if you're caught in a rip current.
200 Voices is produced by Adventurous Audio for the RNLIInterview by Adventurous AudioSoundtrack composed and performed by Jon Nicholls
The RNLI is a charity celebrating 200 years of saving lives at sea - find out more at RNLI.org/200

2. Joanna Scanlan Talks to 200 Voices

Bafta-winning actor Joanna Scanlan on the cast-members she has the greatest admiration for
Actress and open-water swimmer Joanna Scanlan on pushing herself out of her depth, why she included an RNLI rescue in an episode of the TV comedy Puppy Love, and why one day she needed the RNLI for real. 
Hear from another RNLI ambassador who's starred onscreen, Ruth Jones (Episode 36).
200 Voices is produced by Adventurous Audio for the RNLIInterview by the RNLI’s Ollie Wrynne-SimpsonSoundtrack composed and performed by Jon Nicholls
The RNLI is a charity celebrating 200 years of saving lives at sea - find out more at RNLI.org/200

1. Launching an Institution: Edd Christian

In 1824, Sir William Hillary founded what is now the RNLI. Coxswain Edd Christian takes us back to where it all started
On 10 October, 1822, HMS Vigilant foundered on St Mary’s Rock in Douglas Bay on the Isle of Man. A bystander urged others to help him row out to rescue those in peril. That man was Sir William Hillary. And, as a result of this and further shipwrecks, he went on to form what we know today as the Royal National Lifeboat Institution. One of Douglas RNLI’s current coxswains explains why, two centuries on, Sir William would be proud.  
Discover more about the RNLI's foundation and development through our first 100 years: Veronica Vondy (Episode 166) and Hayley Whiting (Episode 195) talk about founder Sir William Hillary, while Dr Sam Jones (Episode 24) explores a turning point in the RNLI's fortunes in 1852.
200 Voices is produced by Adventurous Audio for the RNLIInterview by Adventurous AudioSoundtrack composed and performed by Jon NichollsThe RNLI is a charity celebrating 200 years of saving lives at sea - find out more at RNLI.org/200