Congratulations to David Forshaw, the Deputy Launching Authority (DLA) and press officer for the RNLI at Lytham St Anne’s, on his award of the British Empire Medal for his services to the RNLI and to Charity in the 2022 New Year Honours.

David has been a valued and committed volunteer for 37 years and is currently number two to the lifeboat operations manager at Lytham St Anne’s, as well as contributing to operational, leadership, fundraising and administrative activities. In his role as DLA, David has worked hard to establish working practices and operating procedures that ensure his team of shore crew are fully equipped to deal with the launch and recovery of the lifeboat – which can be called out in most treacherous weather conditions.

Not only making a significant contribution to the RNLI’s profile in his press officer role, 74-year-old David has also been a key contributor to the many fundraising successes at Lytham St Anne’s, including the Shannon Lifeboat appeal which raised £300,000 towards the cost of the station’s current vessel, Barbara Anne (pictured below).