Youngsters' date at the palace
Around 70 young St John Ambulance members
enjoyed an afternoon at Buckingham Palace last
week when they were honoured at the charity's Young Achievers'
Reception.
HRH The Princess Royal, Commandant in Chief
(Youth), welcomed each excited youngster to the Palace and
congratulated them on their exceptional
achievement.
The annual reception celebrates the
accomplishments of Badgers,
Cadets, Young Carers and young adult
members and recognises the commitment they have made throughout the
year.
Amazing young people
One member who particularly enjoyed the day
was Samantha Barrington, a 10-year-old Badger from the West
Midlands. She has thrown herself into her Sett’s activities at the
same time as coping with serious health problems. She was looking
forward to meeting The Princess Royal: ‘At first she looked strict,
but once she started talking to us she was really nice! I was so
excited to come here today, and I’m really proud of myself.’
It is testament to the hard work and skill of these young people that Her Royal Highness welcomed them to Buckingham Palace to recognise their outstanding work.
Sarah Holmes
Chief Commissioner for Youth
Other exceptional young people at the
reception included:
- Caroline Murphy, a 15-year-old Cadet who was first on the scene
at two road traffic accidents – one in London’s Trafalgar
Square.
- Wiltshire Cadet Norman Butler, who cares for several members of
his family as well as making time for first aid duties with St John
Ambulance.
- Harry Baker, who has raised over £2500 for his division in
Dorset by organising large fundraising events, at just 13.
- Natasha Simpson from South and West Yorkshire, who looked
after her grandmother by herself when she became unwell during a
visit – on one occasion, staying up all night to care for her.
Many young people took the opportunity to see
some of London’s most famous sights in the morning before the big
event. In the afternoon, they combated their nerves and perfected
their uniforms before meeting The Princess Royal and enjoying the
delicious Palace hospitality.
Outstanding work
Sarah Holmes, Chief Commissioner for Youth at
St John Ambulance, said: ‘It is testament to the hard work and
skill of these young people that Her Royal Highness welcomed them
to Buckingham Palace to recognise their outstanding work.
‘Everybody here has made an amazing
contribution to their local communities all year round, and really
deserve to be included in such a special day.’