By Lt Col Alan Sharkey, National First Aid Policy Adviser ACFA
Jack Murray from Cheshire ACF was one of a group of Army Cadets from across the country invited by St John Ambulance to join them for a Young Achievers Reception at St James’ Palace to meet and talk with Her Royal Highness the Princess Royal.
The annual event is primarily for St John Ambulance cadets, but for the first time was opened up to other uniformed cadets who share similar first aid training and experiences. The event included four Air Cadets, a Sea Cadet and four Police Cadets as well as 12 Army Cadets with three supporting adult staff and some 70 St John Ambulance cadets.
Princess Anne spoke individually to each Army Cadet and shared some first aid experiences with them. Eight of the cadets had been nominated to attend the Reception because they had all been involved in rendering first aid in praiseworthy circumstances that Princess Anne, who spent more time with this group than any other, was keen to hear about. She also expressed interest in the ACF first aid programme and its links with St John Ambulance.
In addition to Jack, other Army Cadets at the ceremony were Georgina Billington (Staffordshire); Aaron Davies (Derbyshire); Jacob Edwards (Bristol); Chris Collins (Buckinghamshire); Max Willson (Malvern College CCF); Jarrod Hoffman (Gloucestershire); and, Hannah Simmons (Kent). Also invited were four cadets with two adult staff from Dollar Academy CCF who participated in the St John Ambulance National Competitions with other ACF and CCF cadets.
Lt Col Alan Sharkey, ACFA’s first aid advisor, said: “This was a wonderful opportunity to join St john Ambulance for another chance to work with them to support first aid training, competitions and events. The cadets all thoroughly enjoyed the memorable event”.
For more information about Cheshire Army Cadets and how you can get involved as a cadet or Adult Instructor, visit www.armycadets.com/county/cheshire
