by John Prince
Heroes who selflessly tried to save the three people lost in the Withernsea tragedy earlier this year were given an emotional standing ovation at a special awards ceremony.
East Riding Council’s Chairman’s Awards recognise the outstanding contributions of individuals, businesses, and projects that have made a significant impact on local communities.
This year, a commendation was presented posthumously to Mark Ratcliffe for his unwavering courage, deep sense of humanity, and sheer bravery in the face of danger while trying to save Sarah and Grace Keeling.
Mark lost his own life after the mother and daughter from Nottinghamshire were swept away by the sea on Friday, January 2.
His award was collected by his son Nigel at the ceremony at Champney Treasure House in Beverley on Tuesday evening.
A tribute was also paid to the RNLI volunteers, HM Coastguard, Hornsea Inshore Rescue and the other emergency services who responded to the incident.
All those involved were described as responding with professionalism, compassion and dedication during the search and rescue operation.
Richard Shaw and Ellie Procter from Withernsea were also awarded commendations in recognition of the bravery they demonstrated under the extremely challenging circumstances on the day.
East Riding Council said the people involved will forever stand as a testament to true heroism.
Richard, who has told how he nearly died entering the water on that fateful day, said the final part of the ceremony was devoted to the tragedy, with members of the coastguard, helicopter crews and others involved in the incident among those recognised.
A posthumous award was also received on behalf of local man Mark Ratcliffe, who lost his life that day.
Richard said: “At the end, there was Mark’s son Nigel and Mark’s brother on the stage, and they received an award on behalf of Mark.
“Then they called Ellie and myself, and I just got very emotional.
“We took the awards, and when we turned round, we got a standing ovation.
“I couldn’t say anything myself. I just couldn’t. I just tried to say thank you.
“I just couldn’t believe it. I turned around and the whole room was standing up, clapping.”
Richard said the tribute had been overwhelming, particularly given the scale of those present and the recognition shown to everyone affected by, and involved in, the tragedy.
He also spoke to the event’s host, TV presenter Clare Frisby, and told her he had written a poem about what happened that day.
Richard said the poem, which he described as powerful, had formed part of his ongoing therapy and that Clare was visibly moved on reading it.
Cllr Liam Dealtry, chairman of East Riding Council, said: “Following the tragedy at the start of the year in Withernsea I very much wanted, on behalf of the council, to recognise the bravery and dedication shown by three members of the public in particular but also the emergency services who attended throughout.
“I extend my heartfelt thanks and congratulations to everyone nominated; their achievements are a credit to the East Riding.
“The Chairman’s Awards give us the opportunity to recognise and celebrate the many local people who so generously give their time and energy to support others through voluntary service, alongside the businesses that play a vital role in strengthening our local economy across the East Riding.”
A spokesman for RNLI Withernsea said: “We were deeply humbled to receive a Chairman’s Commendation alongside our emergency service colleagues, and members of the public who were involved in the tragic events of January 2.
“While no recognition can ever lessen the heartbreak of that day, this commendation stands as a reflection of the professionalism, compassion and determination shown by everyone involved in an incredibly difficult incident.
“It also highlights the strength of a community that came together in support of one another when it mattered most.
“We are beyond proud to stand alongside our fellow emergency services and members of the public who showed immense courage and humanity throughout the incident.
“Finally, we would like to thank the chairman of East Riding Council for this commendation, and our community for the continued support they show our volunteers, not just after major incidents, but every single day.”
Sue Hickson-Marsay MBE from Hornsea Inshore Rescue said: “It’s wonderful but tinged with a lot of sadness because of the circumstances, but we are very proud to receive the award. The team worked extremely hard that night along with all the other rescue organisations that were involved.
“Getting everyone together like the chairman did was such a lovely thing to do. People could get together and talk about what happened. It’s not all about the awards.
“It’s made everyone very sad, but it’s helped everyone feel that their efforts that night weren’t for nothing. The people were returned and their families were able to grieve for them.
“For the communities, it has affected so many. People have been so distressed and hurt by it all, but obviously not as much as the families are.
“The recognition came as a surprise to us. It makes us feel very, very proud.”
This year marks 26 years of the awards, which celebrate excellence across the county, and the people who have made a positive difference to their community and the East Riding.