Earlier this year, we invited our volunteers from across the country to nominate those among us who exemplify the spirit of the Tim Bain Memorial Award. Created in memory of Tim Bain – one of our longest-serving Area Coordinators who devoted over twenty dedicated years to BDMLR and had attended hundreds, if not thousands of animals in that time, despite not having his own transport. He was also a mentor to many—the award honours individuals who go above and beyond to help an animal in need, consistently embody the charity’s values in welfare, teamwork, and demonstrate outstanding dedication across callouts, training, education, and outreach.
Our judging panel of Trustees and staff received numerous heartfelt and worthy nominations this year. What truly stood out was that Clair is well known for going above and beyond to attend rescues in her home region of Yorkshire, as well as attending many fundraising events throughout the year for both BDMLR and YSG with whom she is a lead volunteer. Clair is regularly found on a clifftop somewhere monitoring seal colonies and educating the many people she meets, and was the first Medic on scene for the infamous Thor the walrus!
An excerpt from the nomination: “She is always happy to offer support and welcome to new Medics. I have always found her supportive and positive in her encouragement whenever I have attended a call out with her”
Clair was presented with a beautifully engraved wooden plaque by Zennormade – a sustainable artisan near Tim’s hometown of St Ives, using reclaimed driftwood. The presentation took place on 9 August 2025 during the closing session of the Marine Mammal Medic training course in Bridlington, in which Clair was assisting teaching. The nomination was read aloud by Area Coordinator Chris Cook, to the group of newly qualified Medics, Medics refreshing and assisting on the day, and a completely unsuspecting Clair.
Please join us in congratulating Clair on receiving the Tim Bain Memorial Award – an acknowledgement she thoroughly deserves!
