Brighton Lifeboat Hero Delivers Baby with Familiar Helping Hand
Brighton RNLI Crew Member Welcomes Baby with Lifesaving Team
Emily Summerfield, a Brighton lifeboat crew member since 2019, got a heartwarming surprise during her planned c-section in November 2021. Julian Cumberworth, fellow RNLI volunteer and anaesthetist at Royal Sussex County Hospital, was on hand to help deliver her baby boy.
Familiar Face Brings Calm on Delivery Day
Emily, also a Sussex Police constable, felt instantly reassured seeing Julian: “Julian was my point of contact in a room full of people. It was great to have that trust in someone I already knew.”
She praised Julian’s calm leadership: “His reassurance kept me informed through every moment. That calm head he brings to the RNLI made all the difference that day.”
Newborn William Gets Lifeboat Welcome
Emily’s son, William, tipped the scales at 8lbs 9oz when he was born on November 1. He’s already visited Brighton lifeboat station to meet Julian and crew.
Emily said she hopes to return to the lifeboat crew by early summer. “My dad volunteered with Eastbourne RNLI for over 20 years, so this has been a lifelong dream. Now William has a special bond with lifeboats too.”
Her husband Rob is also a Sussex Police officer, and they share a three-year-old daughter, Maddie.
Brighton Lifeboat Crew: Ready 24/7 for Sea Rescue
Julian has served with the RNLI for six years and reflects: “It was an honour to be part of Emily and William’s story. I’m thrilled to hear the positive memories of that special day.” Both remain active volunteers at Brighton’s RNLI station, operating the Atlantic 85 lifeboat Random Harvest.
The Brighton crew patrol from Newhaven to Shoreham, providing vital search and rescue around the Sussex coast. The RNLI is an independent charity that runs over 238 lifeboat stations across the UK and Ireland, rescuing thousands every year.
Since 1824, the RNLI’s brave volunteers have saved more than 142,700 lives — all funded by donations from the public.
