Four-hour-old Charlie Clifford becomes second-youngest member of RNLI

Jul 4 2009 by Chris Henwood, Birmingham Mail

AT just four hours old, little Brummie Charlie Clifford made history.

The newest member of the Clifford family, from Erdington, became the RNLI’s second youngest member – second only to his cousin Emily Jarvis, now aged seven, who joined at just three hours old.

They were signed up to Storm Force – the charity’s membership club for children – which was launched in the Midlands by Charlie’s 35-year-old dad, David, of Court Lane, 24 years ago.

But saving lives at sea is a real family affair for the Cliffords, who are celebrating three generations of lifesaving.

Charlie’s proud grandfather Chris, from Julia Avenue, has clocked up 30 years’ service with the charity and was presented with a Gold Badge from HRH The Duke of Kent during an RNLI ceremony at the Barbican in London in May.

Chris said: “Being part of the RNLI is a real family tradition for us and signing up Charlie was a really proud moment for everyone.

“It has been quite a year for the family, with our grandson being born this month and before that, me receiving my Gold Badge from the Duke of Kent.”

Charlie’s grandmother, Jacky, is chairman of the Erdington branch where she has been volunteering for 28 years. And Chris and Jacky’s 33-year-old twin daughters followed in their parents’ footsteps, beginning their volunteering roles in Erdington at the age of five.

Helen Clifford is treasurer and Tracy Jarvis is branch membership secretary – even Tracy’s husband, Ian, helps with logistics during outdoor events and their daughter, Emily, is a regular on RNLI stands promoting sea safety to children.

Helen’s daughter, Grace, is also an active RNLI volunteer along with her dad, Scott Rogers.

■ For more information on Storm Force visit www.rnli.org.uk/stormforce