LUKE JEFFRIES IS HAMPSHIRE's ST JOHN AMBULANCE CADET OF THE YEAR

 

 

Luke Jeffries has been named as the county's

St John Ambulance Cadet of the Year.

Luke, from Hedge End

will represent his fellow Cadets at events throughout the county during 2012,

including enrolment and award ceremonies and many other major fixtures in the

county's calendar.

He will also

encourage more young people to learn first aid and be the difference between a

life lost and a life saved.

As well as

actively providing first aid at many events across Hampshire, he has completed

the charity's Grand Prior award, which marks at least three years of sustained

effort and requires studying 24 different subjects - from using social media

and working in the community, to outdoor pursuits and first aid.

Luke said he was

delighted to be the county Cadet of the Year.

'It's a great

honour and I am delighted to be representing all the other cadets in Hampshire at

regional and national level. I firmly believe that anyone, whatever age, can

learn first aid and would like to see more young people like me learning the

skills that can save a life.

'Research has found that

each year up to 150,000 people die in situations where first aid could have

given them a chance to live, and that's a frightening

statistic.

'St John Ambulance

can teach you how to save someone's life but being a member also helps you

develop leadership and other skills that can be used in everyday life.'

He added, 'I have

enjoyed representing St John Ambulance at huge events such as The Great South

Run, Race for Life and the Southampton International Boat Show. The best part

about being part of the charity is the opportunities every member receives.

They are unlike what other organisations provide. St John Ambulance cares for

every member and make courses and other opportunities available to anyone and

everyone."

Pat Bethal, St

John Ambulance Commissioner Youth for Hampshire said: 'Luke is a great example

of a dedicated volunteer who truly believes in the difference that first aid

can make to saving someone's life.

'He is a great

advocate for St John Ambulance and is exactly the kind of person we are looking

for to lead Cadets in the county. I am sure he will have a fantastic year and

really make the most of all the opportunities it offers him.'

Luke's first

national engagement will be taking part in the National Cadet of the Year

selection weekend in Wiltshire (27-29 January), when Cadets from across the

country will go head to head to be chosen as the top Cadet in the country.

The weekend will

be sponsored by PGL, the leading provider of school trips and children's

activity holidays.

Anyone interested in becoming a Cadet or Badger – the groups for members

aged five to 10 - or adults interested in volunteering to help at a Cadet or Badger

unit, can contact St John Ambulance on 08700 104950.