A Clifton Hospital supervisor has hung up his lifebuoy after 14 years as a Fylde coast coastguard.
Keith Twyford, who has worked at Blackpool Teaching Hospital Foundation Trust for almost 29 years, is now concentrating on spending more time with his family, but will miss his special role.
Keith, a Support Services Supervisor, said: “I’ve always loved the sea and boats – perhaps because I’m a Sandgrown ’un.
“For the last 14 years, I’ve sprang into action on the sound of my pager, so it seems a bit strange that I don’t hear that noise anymore. I do miss being a coastguard, but family comes first.”
Over his time in the role, Keith has been involved in some major incidents such as the helicopter crash of 2006 where a Eurocopter came down off Morecambe Bay and the Riverdance Ferry running aground at Anchorsholme.
Keith said: “I’ve always liked helping people so it felt good to be part of a rescue, even if it didn’t have a happy ending.”
Now Keith is happy to just stick with his role at Clifton Hospital. In fact, in his time at the Trust, he has never had one day off sick.
He added: “I started as an outpatient’s porter at Blackpool Victoria and eventually ended up here in St Annes.
“I love my job – Clifton is achieving great things and the site is thriving. Although I’ll miss my work at sea and the camaraderie of the team, I’m happy to still be working here among all these fantastic staff.”