Maritime Hero Denise Cooke Bags British Empire Medal
Denise Cooke, the woman who registers births and deaths at sea, has been honoured in the 2024 New Year Honours for her outstanding service to the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA).
Over 40 Years of Dedicated Service
Denise joined the Department for Transport, which oversees the MCA, back in June 1980. After more than four decades, she continues her vital work in the MCA’s Registry of Shipping and Seamen (RSS), handling the sensitive task of registering births and deaths at sea — a job she calls both “challenging and rewarding”.
Her incredible contribution has now earned her a British Empire Medal (BEM), a well-deserved recognition of her dedication.
Emotional Moments and Lifelong Commitment
Speaking from her base in cardiff/" title="Cardiff" data-wpil-keyword-link="linked">Cardiff, Denise said she was stunned when she received the letter informing her of the award. “I couldn’t get past the first two sentences. It just wouldn’t sink in. I was speechless, I’m just a normal person doing a job,” she revealed.
She added, “The MCA is an incredible organisation to work for and the people here have become like family.”
One of Denise’s career highlights came early on in 1990. Working at the medals desk, she discovered that her father, a Merchant Navy veteran from World War II, had never collected his service medal. Denise stepped in to complete the process and personally presented the medal to him — a touching moment that saw her father open up about his wartime experiences for the first time.
Going the Extra Mile During Covid-19
During the pandemic, Denise worked long hours to support families dealing with bereavement at sea. “I couldn’t leave someone not knowing what was happening and what to expect, they had just lost a loved one and didn’t know what to do or how to get the certificate,” she explained.
“If working late nights helped get things done and support more people, then that’s what I’d do.”
Denise says the praise and gratitude she receives from those she helps make all the tough moments worthwhile. “It is a privilege to help people at such a difficult time. You really make a difference to families,” she said.
MCA Boss Hails ‘Incredible Asset’
MCA Chief Executive Virginia McVea praised Denise’s dedication. “With more than 40 years’ service, she is an incredible asset to the MCA. I am delighted her hard work is being recognised with a British Empire Medal,” said McVea.
“Denise’s passion and commitment make the agency a special place to work. We owe her our deepest gratitude.”
