Inspiration with Manda J: From America's Cup to Frontline Worker

Season 2, Episode 46,   Feb 08, 2021, 05:00 PM

Meet Mark! 👋 (aka Pat, we’ll come on to that later!)

Having joined the RNLI at Calshot back in 1991, Pat is one of our longest standing and most seasoned Super Hero crew members! He has worked his way up, beginning as Boat Crew, going on to become trainee Coxwain of our All-weather Lifeboat, Helm of our inshore Lifeboats and now Deputy Launch Authority (DLA), quite a CV you’ll agree!

Back in ‘normal life’, Pat did a good stint of the 80’s in the Royal Navy, after which he found a home with the Post Office as a Class 1 HGV driver, which is where he gets his (other) name from! At the time there were a number of ‘Mark’s’ on station, so each came away with their own nickname. Luckily (Post Man) ‘Pat’ stuck, rather than the temporary one ‘Vidal’ which he had for a time due to his perm! 

In the 1995 Pat found his true vocation; in the quest to become a Paramedic he trained and qualified as a Technician first, then went on to become a full time qualified Paramedic. He’s given many years of his life to the emergency services, and has also set up his own successful business ‘A-cute Medical Event Services Ltd’, which has involved him in everything from the Southampton Boat Show, to filming on location for Eastenders. A very exciting little sideline which has become Pat’s awesome retirement plan!

During the Pandemic, although the station keeps him busy on a day to day basis, with no events going ahead Pat has had a little extra time to give. Having been scouted by our station doctor who is a local GP, Pat is now working hard administering the vaccine to the community, seeing around 600 people each day with his team! ❤️

It’s an extremely emotive role, with Pat playing his part towards that glimmer of hope which we all need right now. And he will tell you himself, how much he misses active duty afloat on the Lifeboat incredibly. But Pat’s role now and his skill set make him a really key part of the station’s operation and we’re lucky to have him! 

To contact Mark:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-weatherhead-03b46464/
https://www.acutemedltd.com/

To get in touch with Manda J:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/manda-j-beaver-74159042/