“I’ve grown up surrounded by stories of hard work, resilience and sacrifice – qualities I often see in my fisherman dad.”
For some fishing families, the connection to the sea stretches back generations. So do the stories, skills and passions passed from one generation to the next.
The Haisell family have fished off the Kent coast for more than a hundred years. Today, Richard Haisell fishes from Hythe Beach. His daughter Becky has also grown up around fishing, but her own passion has taken her in a different direction: music.
Shaped by music and the sea
Richard is proud to have a long line of family talents.
“Our family has seen a succession of fishermen and very talented vocalists down the generations. That passion for the sea and singing has found its way to our daughter Becky,” he says. “Since the age of 12, Becky has helped me at sea and ashore. Her real passion is singing, and she is now in the final year of a master’s degree at the Guildhall School of Music & Drama in London.
“Fishing is economically unpredictable, and times have been tough. We reached a point where we could simply no longer afford to support Becky’s studies. We thought her dream of becoming a professional singer was over.”
Richard was frustrated to ask for help – he had never asked anyone for anything before. But a chat with his local Area Officer Hayley helped them find a solution.
Delivering on dreams
Hayley could see how much the situation meant to Richard and Becky.
“Speaking with Richard and Becky, I could see how disappointed and distressed they were. The children of fishermen can miss out on opportunities like this, and I was determined to see if we could find a way forward.”
Hayley contacted the Royal Merchant Navy Educational Foundation, one of our partner maritime charities. They were able to provide a grant that covered Becky’s course fees and a living cost allowance.
“It was a fabulous result.”
Carrying on a family legacy
“I am overwhelmed by the support I’ve received. I now have the chance to make my dreams come true,” says Becky. “I’ve grown up surrounded by stories of hard work, resilience and sacrifice — qualities I often see in my fisherman dad. I will take their dedication to the job with me through my studies, as well as carrying the legacy of my fishing- and music-loving ancestors with me.”
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