Martin Stephen reads a letter thanking the RNLI for saving his life at sea

[@Sally4th_]

What a marvellous letter and yes, the RNLI, staffed almost entirely by volunteers are the very epitome of the word "hero" and this country should be truly proud of them.

[@richardmarsh1368]

Millions of people are proud of them.

[@richardmarsh1368]

Words like heroes seem painfully inadequate when referring to lifeboat crews. The RNLI is one of the organisations that we can be truly proud of. I recall once, decades ago, being in Brixham Harbour in a storm. The waves were breaking over the breakwater. A friend and I were watching this spectacular event when the maroons calling the lifeboat crew were fired. At this point, total strangers ran, RAN, to the lifeboat to head into extreme danger to save people who they had likely never met. This was way beyond my understanding of heroism. If you are reading or watching this profoundly moving video, please give some money to the RNLI. They need it.

[@lucylou5766]

The power of a well-written letter epitomised right here. Having its author read it live, priceless!

[@Elwing1]

This is brilliant. Even after following Letters for so long (and collecting a couple of collections in book form), they still surprise me. Growing up the son of a US Coast Guardsman, even here in the US I've heard of the RNLI and the amazing work done by the volunteers over there... frequently upon rough and frigid waters. Cheers!

[@derrickstableford8152]

You are probably aware of the USCG Tampa Bay’s loss at the end of WW1. The civilians on board were actually RNLI boat crews. They included 2 of my great uncles, the Hodge brothers. They were part of the RNLI’s best boat crew rowers, essentially the best rescue jumpers of the day.

[@lizard6444]

What a truly wonderful letter! God bless the RNLI!

[@lisaboban]

I am from the US and I was unaware of the RNLI. What a marvelous letter and an heroic organization!

[@derrickstableford8152]

The RNLI had boat crews on the USCG Tampa Bay when it was sunk with all hands lost nr the end of WW1. I had 2 great uncles in that RNLI boat crew.

[@tracymurray6840]

I am from Canada, and I too, was not aware of the RNLI, Mr. Stephens wrote a very lovely letter thanking this wonderful organization for saving his life, and to this day, I hope, he is still with us.

[@notyou7]

The TV show "Saving Lives at Sea" has a ton of episodes if you want to see them in action.

[@lisaboban]

@@notyou7 But unfortunately it's not watchable in the US. Would somebody tell the BBC that there are Americans who would pay real money for access to iPlayer!

[@donaldauguston9740]

A beautiful letter.

[@janespond922]

So many lives changed by the selfless actions of this brave lifeboat crew, in just one rescue mission. They truly deserve to be recognised and thanked.

[@GaryDilnot]

Incredible & courageous

[@two-eyesmckay1400]

Small moments have big consequences. A fortunate life. A lovely letter. Thank you.

[@kristenrosales2919]

A most excellent thank you letter ever!

[@54RKY]

Wow, how many lives have been changed by 1 selfless act of courage 👏👏👏

[@John-Smith-999]

True heroes

[@pmewUK]

God Bless them all.

[@Sally4th_]

@LettersLive, I just noticed a little typo in the description here - I think the date of this performance should be 2024, not 2025. Unless you've had the assistance of the good Doctor, of course ;)

[@Andrew-Antioch-Kim]

Much love from the States!

[@Martzgal85351]

I live in 🇺🇸 and adore the RNLI. Subscribe to social media, support them if you are able. The volunteers are fabulous!! 💙 🇬🇧

[@ModelsExInferis]

And yet some very nasty individuals think the RNLI should discriminate against some people and leave them to drown in those cold, grey waters. Thank goodness they refuse to do so! We should be proud of them! I certainly am.

[@Vesnicie]

You mean the cross-channel taxi service?

[@relwaretep]

You people just can't help yourselves can you 🙄

[@gijgij4541]

Please just go away, taking your ignorance and inhumanity with you.