Mediaboss Marketing

by Jo Overty

Two St John Ambulance Cadets from the Island have been invited to go to Buckingham Palace on Wednesday 28th March to celebrate their achievements in completing the Grand Prior Award.

Louise Coase and Philip Morrison, both 16 and from Douglas, will be recognised by HRH The Princess Royal for completing the award, which is the highest a St John Ambulance Cadet can achieve. To gain the award, Cadets must show at least three years sustained effort studying 24 different subjects including first aid, communication and working in the community.

Louise and Philip, both members of Onchan Cadets, are pleased to have been chosen to meet Her Royal Highness. Louise, who is working towards GCSEs at King Williams College and has been a member of St John Ambulance for a decade, having started with the Badgers, the very youngest members, said she would enjoy meeting Cadets from other counties and both she and Philip, an A-level student at Ballakermeen High School, are looking forward to getting a glimpse inside the Palace.

Both Cadets use their first aid skills while out on duty and Philip recently found he knew just what to do when a family friend suffered a bad cut that led to hospitalisation.

Philip said: As a Cadet, you learn vital life-saving skills that can come in handy and Id also recommend it to people as you can meet lots of new people. Louise added: The best part of belonging to St John Ambulance is being able to take part in competitions, leaning valuable life skills as well as first aid skills, and meeting new people every week.

Wendy Human, Head of Youth with St John Ambulance nationally, said: We believe that all young people should have the chance to learn first aid. Louise and Philip have worked hard and shown their dedication to St John Ambulance. The Palace reception is a perfect way to recognise their achievements.

Approximately 84 young people have been invited to the Palace to represent St John Ambulance from across the country. Each county selected just two Grand Prior Award winners for their outstanding contributions and commitment.

Nearly 100 young people in the Island are involved in St John Ambulance Badgers and Cadets and many go on to become fully-fledged adult members, allowing the charity to maintain its vital presence at events large and small.

For details on becoming a St John Ambulance Badger (aged five to 10) or Cadet (aged 10 to 18), call 01624 674387.

See more here:
Isle of Man Cadets Recognised at Buckingham Palace