A MAN who became an RNLI volunteer after his brother in New York survived the terrorist attack on the Twin Towers as he was “delayed in a twist of fate” has been selected as an Everyday Hero.
Representing everyday achievements of Brits across the country and nominated by the public, protein shake brand, For Goodness Shakes, has selected eight Everyday Heroes, including Portishead’s Neil Sutor, to feature in dedicated gallery in London.
Neil, 57, has been a lifeboat volunteer for 22 years, joining when he was 35 years old.
“When I first joined the charity, volunteers were expected to retire at 45, but as that age approached it got shifted to 55, and then when that age approached, it was extended to 65.
"I expect I’ll volunteer until that age, so I have another eight years left”, he said.
He was nominated by Emma, his neighbour of 10 years.
Neil explained how he became an RNLI volunteer: “I’ve always had an affinity with water.
“When I was growing up, an old family friend had a retired all-weather RNLI boat, and I spent many happy summers on it.
“It might surprise people, but I have a fear of deep water, you won’t catch me swimming willingly out in the deep.
“On September 11, 2001, we were moving house. At the time my brother lived in New York and worked as a professional tennis coach.
“The first thing we unpacked when we got to our new house was the TV, we sat watching in horror as the events of the hijacking unfurled.
“Seeing emergency services take action, and communities come together to help one another – in that moment, it triggered something in me, I knew that in my life I had to do more, I had to help people.
“I later found out that my brother was due to have a meeting in the tower, but in a twist of fate he was delayed and so very fortunately he wasn’t caught up in it.” Neil’s role on the boat is Helm, he’s in charge of the boat, but also takes on several roles including driving the launching tractor to get the boat in the water, as shore crew, and also LA, which stands for Launch Authority.
“Helming is 365 day a year job, and the need to jump in to action can happen at any time. I’ve missed some of the big things, family events including birthdays.
“It was tough on the kids when they were younger as they didn’t understand why I couldn’t make things, but they get it now.
“My wife Debbie has always been so supportive. She knows I love it, that it’s my ‘thing’. She says in jest, ‘Some people have got a life, we’ve got a lifeboat’.”
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