Friday 13th April 2012



Bolsover St John Ambulance Cadets Megan Owens and Thomas Paisley have won royal recognition for their achievements during an official reception at Buckingham Palace.



Megan, 16, and Thomas, 15, were congratulated by HRH The Princess Royal (above) for completing the Grand Prior Award, the highest a St John Ambulance Cadet can achieve. Both had spent the last three years studying 24 different subjects to achieve the honour, from first aid to working in the community.

The two were chosen to represent Derbyshire at the Buckingham Palace reception, which recognises young people's commitment to the nation's leading first aid charity.

Megan said: "It was brilliant! The Princess was very interested in our Division - she wanted to know what it was like working in a smaller town and she really made time for everybody. It was a day I'll remember for ever."

Thomas added: "The Princess asked how long I'd been involved with St John Ambulance. She was really friendly. It was a great day and a very valuable experience."

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

St John Ambulance equips young people with invaluable life skills that can make them the difference between a life lost and a life saved.

Megan, a student at Bolsover School, said: "Being part of such a well-known organisation really gives me a sense of purpose - a chance to be a role model, to be helpful in a difficult situation and to socialise as well. The best thing is learning skills that can be used in later life."

Thomas, who attends Netherthorpe Science College and also helps with the Bolsover Badger unit, said: "I'm proud to be a member of St John Ambulance. It has taught me many different skills."

To find out more about becoming a St John Ambulance Cadet or youth leader, call St John Ambulance on 08700 104 950 or visit www.sja.org.uk

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