Spirit of NI Awards: Bangor RNLI volunteer John Bell wins 999 Hero Award
RNLI volunteer John Bell has been named winner of the 999 Hero Award, sponsored by Four Star Pizza.This award goes to someone from the emergency services who has gone above and beyond the call of duty. It has been presented by Chief Constable Jon Boutcher and Michael McDowell, aka Billy from Give My Head Peace, alongside Sean Scott, representing Four Star Pizza.John Bell is a solicitor by trade but also finds the time to volunteer for the RNLI, willingly risking his own safety to rescue others. For more than 30 years he has gone where others cannot, in some of the most dangerous conditions, all in the name of helping others in need.As one of the charity’s veteran volunteers, John has always been a fantastic mentor to younger members of the team, showing them the ropes and always making sure they are coping OK with what can be challenging and emotionally stressful rescue operations.He is everything you would want an RNLI volunteer to be: quick-thinking, brave, kind and compassionate, but above all determined to do everything in his power to protect those in need. He may not see himself as a hero, but to his family, friends and those he has met during emergencies, he is the very definition of the word.
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