Nicholas – known as Nick – served in search and rescue between 1985 and 2020, serving first with the military and then when the service was civilianised with HM Coastguard.
The 65-year-old has been nominated for his skill and professionalism in working to save lives, often in challenging circumstances and has been involved in hundreds of rescues at sea and at the coast.
He said: “I am thrilled to be awarded the MBE in not only the same year as the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee but also in the same year as Her Majesty’s Coastguard is marking its 200th anniversary.
“There are so many people who will say they owe their lives to HM Coastguard and knowing that you’ve made that kind of difference underlines why what we do matters. When you realise that work has been recognised by the wider community, it’s a tremendous moment and an acknowledgement of how much the service of HM Coastguard as a whole is valued.”
Nick was based at Lee-on-Solent and has been praised by his colleagues not just for his professionalism but also for his kindness and empathy towards those needing care.
He was also the driving force behind the Billy Deacon Memorial Trophy, given for search and rescue excellence and held in memory of the Coastguard winchman who was killed in the line of duty. Nick recruited a group of people from HM Coastguard, the RNLI and the armed services to administer the awards process.
Nick is also a keen supporter of charities, taking part in and also organising fundraising events and voluntary projects. Since retiring, he has trained as a COVID vaccinator and has been working regularly at a Portsmouth vaccination hub for the last 16 months.
Director of Her Majesty’s Coastguard Claire Hughes said: “Nick quite rightly says that saving lives underlines why what we do matters. But what also matters is when people recognise the hard work, challenge and sacrifice behind each and every incident that Her Majesty’s Coastguard is called to respond too. I am truly delighted that Nick has been recognised with an honour in what is a truly special year for us all in HM Coastguard.
