Alton first aiders honoured

Caroline Goodeve

First aiders from St John Ambulance have been honoured for their astonishing voluntary service.

Loyal service

Caroline Goodeve and Mark Spencer, members of the Alton First Responders group, volunteered for a total of 3000 hours last year.

Mrs Goodeve, who works for the AA in Basingstoke, gave 2000 hours – the equivalent of a full time job. She joined the charity after doing a first aid course. Two years ago she was named the charity’s First Aider of the Year for her part in treating victims of a road accident.

Our aim as a charity is to make the difference between lives lost and lives saved.

Pat Morris
Commander, St John Ambulance Hampshire

Mr Spencer gave 1000 hours – or 20 hours a week.

Dame Mary Fagan, Lord Lieutenant of Hampshire, presented the awards.

Alton First Responders was launched in 2006 and is now one of the busiest units in the county clocking up over 1000 patients.

Commander of St John Ambulance, Pat Morris, paid tribute: 'Our aim as a charity is to make the difference between lives lost and lives saved.

Caroline, and our many other dedicated volunteers, do make the difference to people's lives.'

Valerie Spencer, from Alton, was recognised for giving 32 years' loyal service to the charity.

Last year, St John volunteers in Hampshire gave over 180,000 hours to the charity.