Heartfelt Tribute to RNLI Hero Roger Cohen MBE Shown at Brighton & Hove Albion Match

Brighton, UK – 4 May 2025 — A moving video tribute to Roger Cohen MBE, a true local hero, was broadcast to a packed crowd at half-time during today’s Brighton & Hove Albion match, honouring his extraordinary four-decade service with the RNLI. The short film, shown on the big screen at the Amex Stadium, celebrated […]

Brighton, UK – 4 May 2025 — A moving video tribute to Roger Cohen MBE, a true local hero, was broadcast to a packed crowd at half-time during today’s Brighton & Hove Albion match, honouring his extraordinary four-decade service with the RNLI.

The short film, shown on the big screen at the Amex Stadium, celebrated Roger’s 42 years of unwavering commitment to saving lives at sea. His legacy is one of courage, compassion, and community — qualities that have defined his work since joining the Royal National Lifeboat Institution in 1982.

Cohen’s service statistics are staggering: 2,260 launches and 248 lives saved. From his early days as a crew member and helm at Brighton, to serving at Tower Lifeboat Station on the Thames — the RNLI’s busiest — and later as lifeboat operations manager at both Brighton and Newhaven, Roger’s impact has rippled far and wide across the south coast and beyond.

Incredibly, his final day at Brighton RNLI included one last lifeboat call-out, underlining his ever-readiness to respond. Though stood down shortly after launch, the moment captured the spirit of his lifetime of service.

Speaking at a special celebration held Friday at Saltdean Lido, attended by lifeboat crew past and present from across the region, Roger reflected on a career that spanned over four decades:

“Forty-two years, one month and 21 days is hard to sum up in a few words. Much has changed – the boats have become larger, more complicated – but what hasn’t changed is the drive of ordinary people becoming trained lifesavers.”

Roger also urged current crews to “respect the sea” and praised the lifelong friendships forged through the RNLI.

Under his leadership, Brighton RNLI broke new ground as the first LGBT-accredited station in the UK and was the first to officially take part in Brighton Pride. His inclusive and progressive approach helped steer the RNLI into a modern era while staying rooted in its lifesaving mission.

In March 2024, Roger represented the charity during its bicentenary celebrations at Westminster Abbey, reading the RNLI pledge at a national thanksgiving service. His distinguished service was formally recognised in 2022 when he was awarded an MBE by HRH The Princess Royal at Windsor Castle.

RNLI Head of Region Ryan Hall praised Roger’s lasting impact:

“Roger truly embodies the RNLI’s values. His dedication and leadership have helped shape our stations and culture. We wish him the very best in his retirement.”

Though he has stepped down from Brighton, Roger will continue to serve as operations manager at Newhaven RNLI until the end of the year.

Today’s tribute at the Albion game drew loud applause and cheers from fans, many visibly moved by the reminder of one man’s enduring service to his community and country.