Two St John cadets attend Young Achievers’ Reception

TWO St John Ambulance cadets spent a day in London and had the chance to meet Anne, Princess Royal, at the Young Achievers’ Reception at the Priory Church of the Order of St John.

GVS volunteers who were recipients of long-service awards at Government House. Left to right, back row, Andy Offen, Elizabeth Davies, Mary Torode, Deborah Baudains, Roberta Rivett-Carnac, Sandy Wilson, Jane Griffith-Dixon, Michael Kinnersly, Geoffrey Dorey. Front row, Rex Martel, Angela McKane, Aldwyn Le Cocq, Michelle Kohlschein, Claire Winter, Ann Wallace, Eve Fossick, Gwen White, Avril Bazille-Corbin. (33803876)

Matilda Shell, 17, and Jessica-Lea Cooper-Neville, 16, attended the event, which recognises young individuals who have excelled in first aid, provided exceptional personal care, contributed significantly to fundraising efforts, or overcome personal challenges to make a substantial impact on their community.

Matilda was selected for the trip as she is a long-standing cadet and has been very active within the organisation. She helped when Guernsey hosted the Island Games and worked alongside St John members from the UK and Australia. Matilda was also an active member of the Youth Forum.

‘I was honoured to have been invited to the Young Achievers reception,’ she said.

‘It was an amazing experience to meet The Princess Royal and talk about Guernsey with her. I also loved going to St John Gate and the museum to find out about the history as I had never been there before.’

Jessica was selected as she was runner-up for cadet of the year position and also runner-up for an external position as one of the Lt-Governor Cadets, as she was younger than the other applicants.

Janet Unitt from St John explained why the two girls were chosen.

‘Matilda and Jessica have both gone above and beyond in their cadet role to facilitate the smooth running of Badger and Cadet units and are highly respected at St John in Guernsey,’ she said.

Upon landing in the UK, the pair started their day with a McDonalds breakfast and headed to the St John Gate and St John museum to learn about the history of St John.

At the museum they met the Chief Commander of St John, Carole Lawrence-Parr.

During the reception, they also had the chance to meet the Princess Royal, who is Commandant-in-Chief – Youth of St John Ambulance, who spoke with dozens of young people who had travelled from across the country and heard directly how their actions have positively impacted those around them.