After the Penlee lifeboat disaster, the RNLI’s collection boxes overflowed with donations. Val Nixon MBE fought through ice and snow to help keep up with the outpouring of generosity 

The winter of 1981 was one of the coldest on record. Snow and ice meant the RNLI closed the north-east office early for Christmas. But, on the morning after the Penlee disaster on 19 December, Val Nixon managed to get through the severe weather to open the office and help. 

Even though they were hundreds of miles from where the disaster happened, Val recalls how generous supporters in the area wanted to fundraise in any way they could. She talks about the tremendous kindness people showed to the RNLI after that disaster – one of many incredible fundraising initiatives she’s been part of in her lifelong career with the charity. 

200 Voices is produced by Adventurous Audio for the RNLI   

Interview by Adventurous Audio

Soundtrack 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