Humber Rescue, the UK’s busiest independent lifeboat station, answering more than 130 emergency callouts every year, has raised an outstanding £110,000 at its second annual Gala Ball on Saturday 22nd November.
Held at the DoubleTree by Hilton in Hull, the event brought together over 620 guests, making it one of the largest charity galas in the region. What followed was a night defined by powerful storytelling, emotional reunions, and a celebration of the volunteers who stand ready 24/7 to protect lives on the Humber.
The backbone of the evening was a series of cinematic films produced exclusively for the gala, each crafted in-house by Humber Rescue crew member and event co-organiser Yusef Forster.
These films guided guests through some of the most remarkable rescues of recent years, including:
The rescue of Red, the Black Labrador
The evening’s first story featured the rescue of Red, a black Labrador who became lost on the marshes at Faxfleet after becoming separated from her owner, Mark for over 5 hours. What followed was a coordinated search, culminating in Humber Rescue locating both Red and Mark and bringing them safely back to shore. Both Mark and Rachael attended the gala, watching the rescue unfold on the big screen alongside 600 guests.
Mark said: “Seeing the rescue played out like that… it really hit me. I can’t thank the crew enough for what they did for Red and for me. It was an incredible night, and I’m so grateful to everyone involved with Humber Rescue.”
The mud rescue
Another story shown on the night highlighted the exhausting nine-hour rescue of Tony and his wife Sheila, whose boat had run aground, leaving them trapped in deep, shifting mud through the night. It was an operation defined by sheer physical effort, patience, and persistence, a reminder of the demanding and often dangerous nature of mud rescues on the Humber. Both Tony and Sheila attended the gala, watching their ordeal play out on screen before Tony joined an interview.
Tony said: “Seeing it back tonight… it brought everything flooding back. The crew never gave up on us, not for a second. They worked for hours in tough conditions, Being in that room tonight, surrounded by the people who rescued us, was incredibly moving and something we’ll never forget.”
A mayday call from a sinking vessel
Using on-board footage and interviews, the film showed the extreme conditions the crew face, and how quickly a routine call can turn into a fight for survival. This particular incident occurred immediately after the nine-hour mud rescue, when the crew were still recovering from one exhausting operation and yet again were tasked to respond.
A vessel had issued a mayday with 2 people onboard after running aground and now taking on water. When Humber Rescue arrived on scene, the moment was critical, within just three minutes of their arrival, the vessel sank completely. The film captured the urgency, the pressure, and the life-or-death timing that defines the Humber. It was a stark reminder that on this river, the difference between disaster and survival can be measured in seconds.
A reunion 20 years in the making
In 2005, crew member Ian Bennett helped save a baby during a critical callout. That baby, Loraine, is now a young woman, and unbeknown to Ian, she was in the room. Guests watched her story unfold on screen, before she appeared on stage in front of more than 600 people. Her father, Julio, delivered a moving speech about the night his daughter’s life was saved, leaving the room in silence.
It was one of the most emotional moments ever witnessed at a Humber Rescue event.
Ian Bennett, Humber Rescue Crew (34 years service), said:
“In 2005, I was part of the crew that responded to a call none of us have ever forgotten. A mother and her baby were in the water after entering the water. Time was against us, and we knew every second mattered.
We reached them just in time, the baby was cold, and barely conscious when we pulled her aboard. I was handed an 18 month old baby whilst trying to manoeuvre the lifeboat so the other 2 crew could rescue the mother. We did everything we could for the 2 of them until they were handed over to paramedics. It was one of those rescues that stays with you forever. But you rarely find out what happens after that moment. You hand someone over and you hope. You hope they recover, you hope they go on to live a full life… but you almost never hear the ending to the story.
Tonight, for the first time in 20 years, I met that baby, now a grown woman named Loraine. It was kept completely secret from me, and standing there seeing her, hearing her speak, realising the life she’s gone on to build… it was overwhelming in the best possible way.
It’s a moment I’ll carry with me for the rest of my life. And meeting her dad, Julio, and seeing how much that night meant to them, that’s what this job is really about.”
Yusef Forster, Gala Co-Organiser & Humber Rescue Crew:
“To see everything come together like this is an unbelievable feeling. I produced all of the videos shown tonight, and to watch a room of 600 people completely silent, leaning into every frame, every word… that’s something I’ll never forget. The films aren’t entertainment, they are real stories, told by real people. They show who we are, what we do, and why this charity matters.
Every pound raised tonight goes directly into Humber Rescue. Nobody takes a wage, nobody claims expenses. It all goes back into saving lives, and this incredible total will have a real impact on our ability to respond.”
Sam Willis Gala Co-Organiser & Humber Rescue Crew:
“Last year we raised £100,000 and never imagined we’d surpass it — but this community never fails to surprise us. Thank you to every single person who bought a ticket, donated, supported, or shared the night with us. We’re thrilled to confirm the date for next year’s Gala: Saturday 21st November 2026.”
Dave Roberts, Chairman & Volunteer for over 35 years:
“The Humber is one of the most unpredictable, dangerous waterways in the country. Our volunteers face conditions many people never see. Tonight’s support ensures we can continue answering every call and protecting those who need us most. The generosity in this room means more than people realise.”
Paul Berriff OBE, Founder of Humber Rescue (est. 1989):
“When I founded Humber Rescue 36 years ago, I couldn’t have imagined nights like this. The professionalism, courage and dedication of today’s crew are remarkable, and I am proud of every one of them. This charity has saved countless lives — and with the support shown tonight, it will continue doing so for many years to come.”
The event was made possible through the generosity of the charity’s Principal Partners:
Hamers Solicitors, FSC Construction & Maintenance, Hallmark Doors & Panels, Beerhouse Vehicle Rental, Hesslewood Charitable Causes Fund
And the Event Sponsors:
Eon Media, Mercedes-Benz of Hull (Listers Group), John Good Group, Zenith, HPSS, ABP (Associated British Ports), Springfield Solutions, TransPennine Express, CATI, BACB Renewables
Humber Rescue receives no government funding. The entire operation, three lifeboats, launch vehicles, training, equipment, fuel and 24/7 readiness, is funded only by the public.Every donation helps ensure the team can continue saving lives across the Humber
Humber Rescue Gala Ball 2026, Saturday 21st November 2026, DoubleTree by Hilton, Hull