An Isle of Man coastguard with a long family history of service recently celebrated 20 years with the voluntary organisation.
Mark Leadley, Deputy Station Officer for Peel Coastguard Rescue Team, followed in his father’s and grandfather’s footsteps when he joined the team in 1998. The family now have a combined total of almost 100 years’ service.
A ceremony to celebrate Mark’s dedication took place at the organisation’s Peel base following a team training exercise. It was attended by Infrastructure Minister Ray Harmer MHK and Tim Baker MHK, Member with responsibility for Ports, and Mark was presented with a Long Service and Good Conduct Medal and a gift to mark his dedication.
Mark’s grandfather joined the Coastguard after leaving the Royal Navy at the end of the First World War. He served in England and Ireland before being stationed at the Coastguard house at Knockaloe. Cementing the family’s links, Mark’s father was actually born in the Coastguard house and he eventually went on to serve for 42 years.
With this strong family connection, it was no surprise when Mark joined the Peel team in April 1998 and was promoted to Section Leader after 10 years, becoming the Deputy Station Officer 5 years later.
In a coastal emergency, dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard.
