A LIFEBOAT operations manager from Sussex was among those lucky enough to attend a thanksgiving service for the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.

Roger Cohen MBE, who volunteers at Brighton Lifeboat Station, was invited to the service at St Paul’s Cathedral on Friday to honour his service to the RNLI.

He was one of 400 members of the public, including key workers, charity and members of the armed forces, to be invited to the service in recognition of their contribution to public life.

The guests joined senior members of the Royal Family and Prime Minister Boris Johnson for the service. However, the Queen did not attend after experiencing “some discomfort” during the first day of the Platinum Jubilee celebrations.

Roger said: “It was a superb day, giving thanks to the Queen, our charity’s patron.

“It was sad that she was unable to be present, but hopefully the warmth of the assembled congregation was visible to Her Majesty.

“It was very interesting meeting other nominees who had travelled from all parts of the world.

“I felt very privileged to be part of the intimate gathering and the memories from the service and reception will remain with me forever.”

The Argus: Roger Cohen at the thanksgiving service at St Paul's Cathedral in London: credit - RNLIRoger Cohen at the thanksgiving service at St Paul's Cathedral in London: credit - RNLI

Since joining the lifesaving charity in 1982, Roger has been involved in 2,260 lifeboat launches, resulting in 248 lives saved.

He was made an MBE last year for services to the RNLI and charity.

Speaking with The Argus in December, Roger said: “I don’t think every life saved is down to me, but I’ve certainly been part of the team. 

“Every volunteer will say when a life is saved, that is a precious moment and you don’t get to sleep that night, thinking about how you’ve dramatically changed that person’s life, and it stays with you for a long time.”