I joined Foyle Search & Rescue in June 2009.
I had always followed FSR through local press etc. and was always interested in what they were doing. So when I found I had a bit of extra time on my hands due to my children having grown up and moved out I decided to start volunteering for the charity.
I have enjoyed every minute of my volunteering as I feel I am putting something back into the community and it gives me a great feeling of self satisfaction.
During my time at FSR I have taken part in a lot of training courses…from First Aid to radio to boat …and achieved so much.
I passed my RYA powerboat test in 2011 followed by VHF radio in 2012.
PWC (jet ski) in 2015 and recently I have become the charities first female Advanced Navigation Coxswain having passed my Advanced Navigation Assessment in April alongside 2 other male volunteers.
Apart from all the qualifications I have gained I have also met a lot of new people and made a lot of new friends.
The charity is like one big family with everyone looking out for each other and always there to support each other.
Deciding to volunteer is one of the best decisions I have ever made and I would like to think I will continue to do so for the foreseeable future.
