Lifesaving is a family affair for Portrush RNLI volunteer on call this Christmas

L-R: Jan McCrudden, her son Portrush RNLI lifeboat volunteer Roo McCrudden and Roo’s granny Pat Torbitt

As the RNLI launches its annual Christmas fundraising appeal, volunteers across the UK and Ireland are preparing to spend the festive season on call — including Portrush RNLI crewmember Richard “Roo” McCrudden, for whom lifesaving is very much a family tradition.

Roo will remain on standby throughout the Christmas period, while his mother Jan and 92-year-old grandmother Pat continue their dedicated fundraising work for the charity.

Their collective commitment reflects the spirit of the RNLI’s volunteer network, which each winter stands ready to leave Christmas celebrations at a moment’s notice to respond to emergencies at sea.

The RNLI’s lifeboats launch over 100 times on average during the Christmas period each year, with 119 launches recorded in 2024.

Crews at Portrush, Red Bay and Larne, along with colleagues across the organisation, are trained and equipped to battle harsh winter conditions to save lives on the water.

These missions are made possible thanks to the generosity of supporters who fund the essential kit, equipment and training required to keep volunteers safe and rescue-ready throughout the year.

“We find it hard to put into words how proud we are of him”

Roo, who grew up in Whitehead, discovered his love for the water during family trips to Portrush. His parents later relocated to the coastal town, where he eventually volunteered for the lifeboat crew — although he had to wait until after the pandemic to start training.

His mother Jan, a former A&E nurse at the Royal Victoria Hospital, spoke of her pride:

“I was an A&E nurse in the Royal Victoria and I’ve seen first hand the devastation that happens to families when they lose a loved one. I find it hard to put into words how proud we, his family, are of him. That he will go out and do those things for someone he doesn’t know says everything about him.

“Whenever I know the lifeboat is out, I always send him a little text, wishing him a safe return.”

She added that Roo’s grandmother, Pat, remains equally committed:

“My mum Pat is also a proud granny. She gets people to donate to the lifeboats by putting five pence coins in the little jam pots and she’s raised thousands of pounds through this. She keeps all her neighbours up to date on the news from Portrush RNLI.”

Fourth Christmas on Call

Now a Helm on the inshore lifeboat and a navigator on the all-weather Severn class, this Christmas marks Roo’s fourth festive season on call.

Living just a minute from the Portrush lifeboat station with his wife Rachel and their dog Jax, he is able to respond within moments when the pager sounds, alongside running his own web-development business.

Reflecting on what motivates him, Roo said:

“The crew is a family and we have a close bond. I love the training and I love the casualty care side of it. Everyone has their strengths and we learn from each other. I honestly feel that when people might be having the worst day of their lives, if you can be there for them and help them, that’s pretty amazing.”

As for his nickname, the family suspects it may stem from a childhood affection for Winnie the Pooh — “Roo” simply stuck.

The RNLI is encouraging donations to support its Winter Appeal and ensure crews like Roo’s can continue saving lives around the coastline.

To make a contribution, visit: RNLI.org/WinterAppeal