Two York Rescue Boat volunteers are among the city heroes immortalised in a new art installation.
Volunteer members Sally and Mark Waddington are two of 11 key workers featuring in Guardians Of York, a big outdoor exhibition created by Art of Protest Projects and backed by the York BID.
It sees larger-than-life images of the workers placed on walls around the city centre from 9 April-9 July.
York Rescue Boat are on call 24/7, 365 days of the year supporting North Yorkshire Police and North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service. They have operated throughout the whole of the pandemic.
Mark said “During the pandemic, I sadly lost my mum who was so proud of my work with York Rescue Boat.
“The voluntary work with YRB gave me a good focus and helped me deal with my grief.
“The whole experience with this project has enabled me to also open up and talk about my struggles something I wouldn’t do normally.
“I am honoured to be one of the faces of YRB, it’s a great organisation doing great work to keep York’s rivers and waterways safe.”
‘Really excited’
Wife Sally said: “When the Art of Protest project team contacted me and my husband, we were curious at first.
“We were both interviewed about our experiences of volunteering through the pandemic and our photos were taken but it wasn’t until we saw our design come to life that we got really excited.
“The whole process has been so much fun and has been a welcome distraction and boost to our spirits.
“I can’t wait to see the posters around the city walls and especially our pictures on Ouse Bridge.
“Also, as a charity, we rely on the generosity of members of the public, so this may help generate much needed funds during these difficult times.”
The images are by internationally acclaimed street artist collective The Postman. Donations to York Rescue Boat can be made via their website.