Luke Jeffries

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.