Rebecca Brunel Walker

Youth leader

'I want to encourage more people to volunteer,' comments Ascot and Bracknell division in Berkshire cadet unit's dedicated youth leader, Rebecca Brunel-Walker, known as Bex.

'You really don't have to put an enormous amount of time and effort in – but you will make a real difference.'

Bex volunteers about four hours of her own time each week, ensuring 21 young Cadets are kept busy and led through an exciting award scheme, teaching the importance of first aid and the community.

'I decided to join St John Ambulance after I had completed the 'First aid at work' training course. I decided to become a youth leader, as I thought this would be an excellent use of my training.'

Running a Cadet unit can be a real challenge, with responsibilities ranging from the organisation of weekly meetings, to planning friendly games of softball. For Bex the rewards are tremendous, 'you feel extremely proud when one of them does well.'

Her Cadets seem to love her too. 'One of my favourite memories is being told by a pair of cadets how much they enjoy my weekly meetings. I was over the moon.'

Bex is well equipped to teach the importance of first aid, after having to put her skills to the test when her mother-in law's father lost his footing, falling down several steps and banging his head on a stone floor.

'Despite being heavily pregnant, I leapt to my feet and saw an increasing pool of blood forming. The nearest absorbent thing I could grab was a clean nappy from my son's pram. I raced over and administered pressure on the head wound. He was taken to hospital and treated for a major head bleed.

'He recently passed away, but if I hadn't been able to help him he may not have been here to see his granddaughter born. As proven in my case - first aid is vital - you could save someone's life.'

'I became a youth leader because I believe we need more good samaritans amongst us and there is a great deal of personal satisfaction in seeing the cadets develop their social and first aid skills. I want to urge people that once they have completed their first aid training to think about becoming a volunteer!'