Palace invite for inspirational St John Ambulance volunteers from Norfolk

Emily Edwards was among the inspirational St John Ambulance volunteers invited to attend the charity’s Young Achievers’ Reception in London where there they met the Princess Royal, who is a patron of St John Ambulance. Photo: submitted. (Image: submitted)

Emily Edwards and Susan Hart were among the young people to attend the charity's Young Achievers' Reception in London where there they met the Princess Royal, who is a patron of St John Ambulance. The event honoured St John Ambulance Badgers, Cadets, and young carers who have made outstanding contributions during their time as young volunteers with the organisation.

Sixteen-year-old Susan Hart, a volunteer at the Gorleston Combined Cadet unit, was nominated as a Young Achiever for helping two adult volunteers called to help a man having a cardiac arrest on Gorleston beach. Susan gathered information about the man, talked to bystanders and helped the ambulance crew. She also spoke about what happened to her fellow Cadets to help them with future situations they may need to deal with.

Susan, who has treated many different injuries and helps run weekly Badger sett meetings, said: 'I am delighted to have been recognised as a Young Achiever. It means a lot to me as I am aware of the work that the other young people of St John Ambulance put in. To be invited to the reception is a real honour and the day was a great and memorable experience, especially talking to all the other Cadets and meeting the Princess Royal.'

Seventeen-year-old Emily Edwards was nominated for the huge contribution she makes to the Stoke Holy Cross unit of St John Ambulance. As the unit's highest ranking Cadet she has used her leadership skills to assist other Cadets and acted as a mentor for her team. She has also staffed a Cadet Leader 1 course and has coached other Cadets. She has used her first aid skills on many occasions, both at events, where she has treated conditions ranging from blisters to fractured ankles, and in first aid competitions, where she and a partner have won many trophies at regional level.

Emily said: 'It's really nice to have been recognised for all the hours I have put into St John Ambulance and all the work I have done, which I don't think twice about undertaking at the time. It was wonderful to go to Buckingham Palace and meet other Cadets from around the country and the Princess Royal.'

Ian Callaghan, regional youth manager for St John Ambulance in the East of England, said: 'Emily and Susan have both been an asset to their local communities all year round and fully deserved to be rewarded with this invitation.'

For more about St John Ambulance, visit www.sja.org.uk

Do you have a Local Life story? Email locallife@archant.co.uk