A volunteer with the Lizard Lifeboat Station for the last 15 years has been named on this year's New Year's Honours List by the Queen.

Edward Nuzum, known to most people as Ned, is lifeboat operations manager at The Lizard.

He has now been awarded the British Empire Medal (BEM).

The RNLI said the award was in recognition of Ned's efficient running of the station and the smooth implementation of changes over the last 15 years "to help maintain and enhance the lifesaving service on the south west coast."

Ned said: "News of this honour was a combination of sheer surprise and personal delight.

"It is also a worthy recognition and a big salute to the unwavering commitment and support I receive in my role from a marvellous team, almost 80 strong here at The Lizard Lifeboat Station.

"Collectively we’ve championed considerable change and overcome many challenges together over the past decade with astonishing enthusiasm and unquestionable determination from all our volunteers.

"I’m absolutely thrilled and I sincerely thank them all."

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Originally joining the The Lizard Lifeboat Station in 2005 as a deputy launching authority, Ned progressed to volunteer lifeboat operations manager five years' later.

He was personally responsible for ensuring the transition from a 14-knot to a 25-knot lifeboat was conducted in a manner that satisfied both the maritime standards of the RNLI and the ability of the crew, enhancing their skills and levels of professionalism.

He organised the station into operating from two temporary facilities and, subsequently, the newly built lifeboat station at Kilcoben Cove, whilst ensuring lifesaving capability was maintained at all times.

Ned is also the driving force behind the lifeboat management group and is heavily involved with local fundraising teams and supporters.

%image('12184997', type='article-full', caption='Ned Nuzum, volunteer lifeboat operations manager at The Lizard, has been awarded the British Empire Medal in the 2020 New Year's Honours. Picture: The Lizard RNLI', alt='Ned Nuzum, volunteer lifeboat operations manager at The Lizard, has been awarded the British Empire Medal in the 2020 New Year's Honours. Picture: The Lizard RNLI')

Ned Nuzum, volunteer lifeboat operations manager at The Lizard, has been awarded the British Empire Medal. Picture: The Lizard RNLI

The RNLI described Ned as being at the heart of the local community, adding that he "works tirelessly" to promote the RNLI at every opportunity.

He recently arranged for a young supporter to be recognised and thanked by arranging a special visit to the RNLI all-weather lifeboat centre for them.

Nationally, a total of six RNLI volunteers have been recognised for their roles in helping the charity save lives at sea through the New Year’s Honours. RNLI chief executive Mark Dowie said: "Following a challenging 2020, it is particularly pleasing to see these RNLI volunteers recognised in the New Year’s Honours list.

"Together, they personify the RNLI’s ‘One Crew’ ethos, representing the variety and diversity of roles from a former full-time mechanic to shore crew and fundraisers to station managers, who collectively deliver a shared vision to save every one.

"On behalf of everyone at the RNLI, congratulations to you all for being recognised for your longstanding service, hard work and selfless commitment. And thank you for everything you do to help the RNLI save lives at sea."

Others receiving awards in Cornwall are: 

MBE

  • Mark Bignell, chief executive of Hamoaze House - For services to People with Problematic Use of Alcohol and Other Substances in Plymouth (Fowey, Cornwall)
  • Jacqueline Burt, chair of Brain Injury Social Work Group - For services to People with Brain Injuries (Stoke Climsland, Cornwall) 
  • Derek Goodwin - For services to the Study of Fish Populations in Cornwall (Perranporth, Cornwall)
  • Nigel Payne, Lately Chair of Professional Jockeys Association - For services to British Horseracing and to Charity, particularly during the Covid-19 Response (Launceston, Cornwall)