British Divers Marine Life Rescue would like to express their deepest gratitude to Kirk Russell for all his contributions to the charity whilst serving as a volunteer Marine Mammal Medic, for which he received a prestigious Outstanding Contribution to Marine Mammal Rescue Award by BDMLR’s Trustees in recognition of his efforts shortly before his passing.
He was a very keen volunteer and attended a number of callouts of both seals and cetaceans, as well as being involved with numerous relays of seal pups for rehabilitation. He has also assisted with other activities such as fundraisers and social events held, and generously donated items to our Cornwall Seal Hospital too.
We would especially like to recognise Kirk’s courageous efforts during 2025, and that in spite of his declining health he was determined to gather old friends from the NHS to reform their band ‘The Defibrillators’ and play two gigs to raise funds for both BDMLR and the Cornish Seal Sanctuary, totalling well over £1000 for each charity. An incredible and immeasurably kind achievement. For BDMLR, these funds were put towards a pen sponsorship at our Hospital, complete with plaque bearing his name, to help us continue providing the best care we can offer to young seals in need.
Kirk’s passion for marine wildlife and their conservation constantly shone through everywhere he went and with whomever he spoke to. We are proud to have counted him amongst our ranks and honoured to have been able to present him with a Trustee’s Award in recognition of his outstanding compassion, bravery and generosity.
The Outstanding Contribution to Marine Mammal Rescue Awards (or Trustees Awards for short) are chosen by BDMLR Trustees Alan Knight, Mark Stevens, Geoff Hammock, Faye Archell, Martin Boon and Gavin Parsons and presented to Medics who have gone above and beyond for the charity and demonstrated a dedication to helping the marine environment in a positive way.
This year there are 9 awards, however, due to the nature of the charity and the number and spread of directors and trustees not everyone will be presented at the same time, so over the coming weeks you will see who has received an award.