Annabelle Ronald has been named St John Ambulance’s London and South Regional Cadet of the Year for 2022 as the health and first aid charity celebrates 100 years of its Cadet programme.
The 16-year-old from Oxford will now represent their fellow Cadets at high-profile events and ceremonial occasions, including the Platinum Jubilee of St John Ambulance’s patron, Her Majesty The Queen.
St John has around 8,000 Cadets. Annabelle was selected as London and South Regional Cadet of the Year at the national final from a field of 28 young people all of whom had won district competitions. The weekend competition involved rigorous challenges designed to test candidates’ abilities in areas vital to being an ambassador for St John. This included outstanding first aid skills, communication, teamwork, presentation, working with the media and social skills.
“With the year of youth and Platinum Jubilee there are so many amazing opportunities for St John Ambulance Cadets this year. I am overjoyed to win, especially with the incredible Cadets this year,” said Annabelle.
Putting Annabelle and her fellow Cadets through their paces, was St John Ambulance’s Chief Commissioner, Ann Cable alongside Martin Houghton-Brown, St John Ambulance’s Chief Executive, Col. Guy Horridge, Chief Executive of CVQO and Mariam Ibrahim, Youth Trustee.
“The Regional Cadets of the Year play an important role at St John and have lots of responsibility. I was impressed with how talented all our candidates were this year and the way they threw themselves into the competition,” said Ann Cable.
“Despite the turbulence and adversity of Covid-19, they have all maintained their commitment to St John and helping others and I am so proud of them for their dedication and resilience. Annabelle gave an excellent performance and is worthy winner of the London and South regional title. Congratulations to her,” said Ann.
The winning national and four regional Cadets have a key role in making sure the voices of young volunteers are heard at the highest level in St John. They also represent St John Ambulance at ceremonial occasions; this year’s national and regional winners will attend events, including the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee (Her Majesty is Sovereign Head of the Order of St John, St John Ambulance’s parent charity) this summer, and meeting HRH The Princess Royal – the charity’s Commandant in Chief, Youth – at the annual Young Achievers’ Reception in the autumn.
St John Ambulance’s Chief Executive, Martin Houghton-Brown, said: “It has been a privilege to spend time with all these outstanding young people. In such a big year for St John Ambulance – with the Platinum Jubilee of our patron, Her Majesty the Queen and the 100th birthday of our Cadets – there was a lot of pressure on our candidates. I was particularly pleased to see such a diverse group of young people from across the country.
“I know this year’s winners will be fantastic ambassadors for our charity in 2022 as they lead the way for the next 100 years of Cadets.”
This year’s National Cadet of the Year competition was held from 11-13 February in Nottinghamshire. It was the first contest since 2020 due to the pandemic. In addition to an overall national winner, four regional winners, from the North, East, West and London & South were also selected.
St John Ambulance’s Cadet programme began in 1922 for girls and boys aged 11 to 16, offering first aid training to those who were too young to join an adult group of volunteers.
Over time St John’s youth programmes have evolved and expanded; today the charity enables young people (10 to 17) to learn first aid, including how to deal with modern-day health emergencies, as well as building confidence and gaining important life skills, to help create a healthier, safer and more resilient future.
St John Ambulance youth programmes rely on volunteers and donations. Ask Us how you can get involved and find out more at www.sja.org.uk.
