Awards for first aiders
New Forest first aiders have been
honoured by St John Ambulance at a special awards ceremony.
Loyal service
Renee Symes was recognised for 25 years loyal
service and cadet Brendan Toms received his Grand Prior at the
service in Winchester. Hampshire Lord Lieutenant Dame Mary Fagan
presented the awards.
Mrs Symes joined the Lymington branch in 1985
as a nurse and later became Superintendent.
Our aim as a charity is to make the difference between lives lost and lives saved.
Pat Morris
Commander, St John Ambulance Hampshire
In 2002 she launched the Community Support
group in the New Forest, which she still runs.
New Forest cadet Brendan Toms received his
Grand Prior award, the culmination of many years' work. Cadets
need to pass 12 individual subjects by the age of 21.
Commander of St John Ambulance, Pat Morris,
said: 'Our aim as a charity is to make the difference between
lives lost and lives saved. Renee, Brendan and our many other
dedicated volunteers, do make the difference to people's
lives.'
Community Support provides baths for elderly
and disabled people who do not qualify for statutory help to have a
bath.
The service, which is unique in the country,
was launched in Hampshire in 1994 and provides vital support and
care to many people.
Last year, St John volunteers in Hampshire
gave over 180,000 hours to the charity.