By Isle of Wight Observer
Two Cowes RNLI volunteers, who first met while serving on the crew 14 years ago, have tied the knot, returning to the lifeboat station where their journey began to celebrate.
Lou and James Rankin first met in 2012 when they volunteered for Cowes RNLI Station as boat crew. James was on the crew for a couple of years, while Lou went on to complete more than 11 years of volunteering, across boat and shore crew, education, and visits team roles.
Both were serving as volunteer crew when Queen Elizabeth II officially opened Cowes RNLI station on the July 25, 2012.
The couple reconnected on Valentine’s Day four years ago, when James texted Lou to say he had just got a labrador puppy called Stanley. The couple married recently at the Island Sailing Club, Cowes, where they had first set eyes on each other.
Lou said: “The RNLI is fantastic for meeting new people, especially people you wouldn’t normally cross paths with in life. I’ve made lifelong friends at the station, lots of whom were at our wedding. The wedding brought back lovely memories; it was great to go back to where it all started. When I joined the RNLI the last thing I thought was that I would meet my husband, but look at us now!”
Lou and James remain in Cowes with Stanley and Ruby, Lou’s labrador, who are best friends.
Mark Southwell, Cowes RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager, said: “Once you join the RNLI family, you are part of it for life. For many at the station, volunteering provides more than just technical training; it offers a support network that remains long after their service ends.
“I am so happy to see the positive effects of volunteering echoing across Lou and James’ lives. Congratulations to them both from all of us at the station.”
Mal Butler