An Aberystwyth volunteer who gave 50 years of service to Aberystwyth RNLI has been recognised with a posthumous award.

Sonia Jenkins passed away last year but the RNLI has decided to recognise her contribution to the local crew with a posthumous award of a Long Service Medal for 50 years of service and letter of thanks from RNLI chief executive Mark Dowie to Sonia’s husband, David.

Sonia and David Jenkins MBE between them dedicated 110 years of voluntary service to the RNLI, with Sonia at the forefront of fundraising and social activities at Aberystwyth Lifeboat Station, whilst her husband David, served both as lifeboat crew and treasurer for 60 years when he retires at the end of the year.

David and Sonia were actively involved in the wider management of the RNLI regularly represented Aberystwyth at the RNLI Annual Presentation of Awards and Ceremonies and AGM at the Barbican Centre, London.

Sadly, Sonia died in September 2020 and speaking of the award, Aberystwyth chairman Mark Morgan said: “This award is a wonderful tribute to a great lady who served our station, the RNLI and our local community with such enthusiasm and devotion for over half a century.”