RNLI volunteers from across North Wales came together at St Deiniol’s Cathedral in Bangor on Saturday to commemorate 200 years of the charity’s lifesaving work.

A special service took place to mark the charity’s bicentenary.

In 1824, when the RNLI was founded by Sir William Hillary, the majority of the RNLI’s personnel were, and still are, volunteers.

Some of those volunteers addressed the congregation with stories of courage and kindness during a service complimented by singing led by St Deiniol’s Cathedral Choir.

One of the organisers, Reverend Robert Townsend, who is also an RNLI volunteer at Criccieth Lifeboat Station said: “It was lovely to see people from across north Wales and guests from as far afield as the Isle of Man coming together to commemorate the bicentenary of the RNLI.

“The service enabled us to give thanks to RNLI staff and volunteers who all work tirelessly towards the same goal – saving lives as sea.

“The Bishop of Bardsey’s address really brought together the readings and experiences which people had shared, and the location and welcome from the staff Bangor Cathedral added to a very worthwhile service.

“Hopefully, this service will inspire other people to become part of the RNLI’s One Crew.”

A number of volunteers and staff from the charity addressed the congregation including RNLI Head of Region Jo Partner.

Barrington Taylor-Hamilton from RNLI Moelfre read an extract from Sir William’s appeal for an institution to save lives at sea.

Tracey Kerfoot from Flint RNLI and Mali Parry-Jones from Porthdinllaen RNLI gave their accounts of the pride and satisfaction they get from being volunteers.

Bill Rogerson from Trearddur Bay RNLI read the RNLI’s One Crew pledge.

Gaynor Stythe Jones offered a reading from the New Testament and prayers were led by Phillip Barratt of Llandudno RNLI. 

Olivia Davies, seasonal lifeguard supervisor for Denbighshire, also gave a reading.

Lowri Taylor, lost her brother Ross Ballentine when fishing vessel the Nicola Faith went missing off the coast of Conwy in January 2021.

Lowri addressed the congregation and expressed passionately how much the RNLI means to her.

Since the tragic loss of her brother Ross, Lowri and her family have worked alongside the RNLI to raise awareness and to improve fishing safety standards.

They have raised thousands of pounds for the RNLI and hope that their efforts will prevent similar tragedies from happening in the future.

Speaking at the service, Lowri said: “Think of all the lives saved in these 200 years. All those lives you have changed.

“How many people who have lived to carry on their lives with their families, go on to make more families.

“All I can say to you all is thank you. You do this day in and day out - risking your lives to save others.

“You really do make such a difference and in the eyes of our family and so many others you are real heroes.”