Two St John Ambulance Cadets from Bexleyheath have taken up their new positions as District Cadet of the Year and Lord Mayor’s Cadet for 2017.

17-year-old Emily-Louise Rose, from Barnehurst, beat off stiff competition to take the title of London District Cadet of the Year at a competition held in November. She will now represent fellow Cadets from across South London throughout 2017 at public and St John Ambulance events.

Emily-Louise, who’s studying A Levels at Beths Grammar School in Bexley, had to complete a first aid challenge to demonstrate her life saving abilities, take part in a debate, as well as give a presentation and be interviewed by judges.

Emily-Louise joined Bexleyheath St John Ambulance as a Cadet three years ago. She’s now a Cadet Sergeant within the unit and is also a Badger group leader and mentor, giving support to younger volunteers (seven to 10 year olds), as well as passing on her first aid skills during training sessions.

Emily-Louise said: “Volunteering with St John Ambulance has changed my goals in life and has had a very positive impact on me. I want to encourage other Cadets to take every opportunity offered. The adult volunteers I meet at events are inspiring and I hope I can inspire other young volunteers in the same way.

“I hope to pursue a medical career – I witnessed my first cardiac arrest last year and this has spurred me on even further. I really want to be the difference in any way I can.”

And competing alongside Emily-Louise was fellow Bexleyheath Cadet 17-year-old Aisha Malik-Smith, from Welling. She has been awarded the first aid ambassador role of Lord Mayor’s Cadet following the competition. Her appointment means the Bexley Grammar School pupil, who’s currently studying for the International Baccalaureate, will represent London’s St John Ambulance Cadets (volunteers aged 10 to 17) when she attends prestigious City of London functions hosted by the Lord Mayor.

As well as being a youth volunteer with St John Ambulance, Aisha is an appointed member of the NHS Youth Forum. As one of 20 young people across England who represent the views of youth on the health service, she is often asked to attend events with senior figures in the NHS to ensure young people are heard.

Aisha, who joined St John Ambulance three years ago, said: “St John Ambulance really has changed my life for the better. By spending my time giving back to the organisation that I care about, I have grown into a more rounded person with a greater appreciation of the world around me. Being a Lord Mayor’s Cadet will allow me to display my passion for the charity and the work we do.”

Both Emily-Louise and Aisha will now go on to compete for the title of overall London Regional Cadet of the Year and National Cadet of the Year later this month.

Kevin Munday, Regional Youth Manager for London St John Ambulance, said: “I hope Emily-Louise and Aisha enjoy the year in office and I am sure they will make the most of all of the opportunities offered and encourage more young people to learn the skills that can be the difference between a life lost and a life saved.”

London St John Ambulance has over 1,400 Cadets (volunteers aged between 10 and 17) who learn first aid along with a wide range of other subjects such as leadership, radio communications and personal development. They can choose from 70 subjects as they work towards their Grand Prior Award – the highest accolade a Cadet can achieve.

Older Cadets are given the chance to put their first aid and other communication skills into practice by providing first aid to the public at events or teaching first aid to other young people and adults.

For more information on St John Ambulance, including how to make a donation, volunteering opportunities, and details of training for the public, schools and businesses, visit www.sja.org.uk or call 08700 10 49 50.

Article submitted by Kate Rutsch