Mary is Badger of the Year

A young first aider has been crowned ‘Badger of the Year’ for St John Ambulance in Hampshire.

High profile role

Mary Cheater, nine, beat off stiff opposition to be chosen to represent the charity’s youngest members.

She will take part in a variety of high profile events on behalf of St John Ambulance throughout 2010.

Children can join St John Ambulance from the age of five and earn badges in first aid and many other exciting subjects.

Mary said: ‘I really enjoy all the activities and camps. I like to learn first aid and one day I will be able to help people. I have also made new friends.

‘St John Ambulance is great fun and you get to help people.’

Mary is a member of the Totton Badger group, which meets every Wednesday.

Mum Nicola Cheater added: ‘We are very proud of Mary and her achievements. Mary tries very hard at St John and gets a lot of enjoyment from her Badger group.

‘To remain in a group from the age of five to nine and rarely miss a week is an excellent achievement.

‘Mary has a very caring nature towards people and hopefully the first aid that Mary learns from St John will help her throughout life and in her final career choice.’

St John Ambulance is at the forefront of first aid across the country and believes that no-one should suffer because of a lack of first aiders. The charity always welcomes new volunteers at its groups across Hampshire.