99. Shining Light: Grace Darling

In 1838, Grace Darling became the first woman to be awarded an RNLI medal. Descendant Ken Skehan shares her story

Ken Skehan is immensely proud of his internationally famous ancestor, Grace Darling. He shares stories of her life, from her hard existence living in a lighthouse, to her rescue of survivors from the shipwrecked Forfarshire in 1838.

Grace’s part in the rescue thrust her into the spotlight and even gained her the attention of Queen Victoria, but it wasn’t recognition Grace cared for. ‘Duty before self’ was part of her DNA – a characteristic shared by RNLI volunteers.

Learn more about Grace Darling.

200 Voices is produced by Adventurous Audio for the RNLI   

Interview by Adventurous Audio

Soundtrack composed and performed by Jon Nicholls   

The RNLI is a charity celebrating 200 years of saving lives at sea - find out more at RNLI.org/200