Young Reporter: Local Girl Wins the Title.

“Cadets understand more about St John Ambulance as an organisation and it allows individuals to develop their interpersonal skills.”

Rachel Gannaway aged 16 of the Bexleyheath Unit of the South District has achieved the Regional tile of ‘Lord Mayor’s Cadet of the year’ on the 26th of October, having competed across the weekend for the remarkable attainment; requiring considerable responsibility representing the youth of St John Ambulance; the role involves “[escorting] the Lord Mayor to large events, and [playing] a key role in important occasions, such as the Lord Mayor’s show and St John’s day in June next year”. Rachel describes the indispensable skills for this role as having “good leadership qualities but the determination to do well and to want to improve and develop – that’s what it’s all about”.

As a Cadet Rachel commits time to the organisation, comprising of the three hours of volunteering each Friday on a weekly basis:  “I also take part in additional duties and events, both as The Lord Mayor’s Cadet of the Year and with my unit”, as well as fulfilling her responsibilities as a  representative of the youth of St John Ambulance. The volunteering consists of “the chance to learn lifesaving skills that I can utilise out on duty or in emergency situations out of uniform”. Skills that are not taught in schools, which will prove beneficial later in life.

Rachel enjoys her training at St John Ambulance and describes the skills she has gained as “skills I will need and use for life! First aid is so important; that I think everyone should get involved in – it could make such a big difference”. As a St John Ambulance cadet, she acquires substantial first aid skills which she is able to apply to her duties such as the London Marathon and Bonfire Night. What’s more every individual is encouraged to peruse and advance their leadership qualities: “punctual, organised, confident and approachable – skills that I will learn and improve as Cadet of the Year”.

The subjects in which strive towards the ‘Grand Prior Award’ allow the Cadets to progress and strengthen their understandings of a range of topics, including food hygiene, infectious diseases, and the history of St John Ambulance. “I also get the chance to do the same with a younger group within the organisation: the Badgers. I prepare fun lessons around different subjects – currently I am doing ‘Global’ – [which] the Badgers love to explore, whilst teaching them basic first aid that could potentially help someone is a big way”.

Rachel articulates of her experience with working with the Badgers; the youth of the organisation, and as a Corporal “I work closely with the cadets with a more leadership role. I will often lead some of the Grand Prior Subjects teaching the cadets directly”. She stresses the great opportunities available at St John Ambulance, and urges more young people to similarly join the organisation: “It’s the difference between a life lost and life saved” – why wouldn’t you want to be that difference?”

For Cadets who are keen and interested, considering applying for this position in the near future Rachel suggests to “be confident and honest – where are you now and where do you want to be. Besides the Cadet of the Year competition there are still so many amazing opportunities available within St John Ambulance – take advantage of it because you’re only a cadet until you’re 18!” 

Agnes Houghton-Boyle, Townley Grammar School.