Meet the family-of-four who will be saving lives at sea this Christmas.
Volunteering with the RNLI is a real family affair for the Barbers, from Cardigan, as they've all decided to give up their traditional Christmas Day to volunteer for the life-saving charity this year.
The news comes as the RNLI has called on the public to support them, and the thousands of other volunteer crew on call by giving to the charity’s Christmas appeal.
For mum Amanda and daughter Madeleine, 18, it will be their very first Christmas on call.
Read more: You can find more stories from Ceredigion here.
Both have followed in the footsteps of dad Tony who has volunteered on the crew of Cardigan RNLI for the past 12 years.
Son Leo, 20, also joined the RNLI when he turned 17.
The dedicated volunteers have decided to spend their Christmas Day this year at the nearby ‘New Life Church’ to ensure those who are in need of a meal on December 25 have food and company.
They will also be on call should there be an emergency at sea.
Later in the afternoon the family hope to get together and enjoy a Christmas meal at home, but even then they'll be keeping a watchful eye on their pagers.
Madeleine said: "I realise our Christmas may not be a traditional one and to my friends it seems strange that we may all have to dash down to the station whatever time of day or night the call may come.
"I don’t really give it a second thought; I’m actually looking forward to being on call for the first time this Christmas and being able to help someone in need.
"Previously when the pager goes off, dad, Leo and I have left mum at home.
"She’s so proud of us all but obviously is filled with apprehension as to when we may be back.
"We’re thrilled she’s decided to join us too and volunteer as part of the shore crew.
"Being part of the RNLI is something Leo and I have always wanted to do as soon as we turned 17.
"Hearing dad talk about successful shouts has really motivated us all to want to get involved.
"We’re so thankful for all the support we have from the community and it is humbling to think people give so generously to enable us to do what we do."
The family run a boat trip business not too far away from the station, which means they are all ideally placed to be close by should the pagers sound.
In the winter months Madeleine works opposite the station at a local café, Crwst, who are very supportive allowing her to leave and attend shouts whilst at work.
Amanda said: "With the rest of the family on the crew, I know how vital, challenging, yet rewarding volunteering with the RNLI is.
"After many years of watching Tony run from the house at a moment’s notice and in the years that followed Leo, then Madeleine; I no longer had a reason not to join them.
"Now, rather than waiting and wondering what the outcome of a shout is, I can be on hand at the station supporting them and the rest of the team together, serving the mission of saving lives at sea.
"This Christmas if the pagers go off at least I won’t be left home alone holding the turkey!"
Over the past decade RNLI lifeboats have launched over 1,200 times during the festive period, but these rescues would not be possible without donations from the RNLI’s generous supporters, helping to fund the essential kit, training and equipment needed by lifeboat crews all year round.
With thousands of volunteers around the UK and Ireland, each RNLI crew member signs up to save every one from drowning – it has been the charity’s mission since 1824.
Matt Crofts, RNLI lifesaving manager for Wales, added: "With the increase in staycations and more people than ever heading to the coast, it has been an exceptionally busy year for our crews.
"Even at Christmas, our lifesavers are ready to drop everything at a moment’s notice and rush to the aid of someone in trouble on the water. At this time of year, the weather’s at its worst and lives are on the line.
"We know that every time our crews go out they hope for a good outcome, but sadly this sometimes isn’t the case.
"We hope that this year’s Christmas appeal will show people just how tough it can be, but also that with their help we can get so much closer to our goal of saving every one."
To donate to the RNLI’s Christmas Appeal visit RNLI.org/Xmas.
