Rest centre thanks

A Hampshire couple stranded on the snowbound A3 have paid tribute to St John Ambulance volunteers for their support.

Beyond the call of duty

Dominic Alderson and Natalie Harman, from Portsmouth, were forced to abandon their MGF sports car on the A3 near Petersfield and take shelter at the nearby Leisure Centre where St John Ambulance volunteers were on duty.

Mr Alderson, a Graphic Designer, said: 'I'd just like to say a big thank you to everyone from St John Ambulance who put themselves at risk to come out to the Petersfield Leisure Centre to help my partner and me along with a number of other stranded people.

'The team were very helpful and supportive – they really went beyond the call of duty. Cheers!'

Volunteer Luke Simmonds a student at the University of Portsmouth, is Duties and Operations Manager for Portsmouth LINKS.

He said: 'I got alerted by text and email that St John had activated a major incident standby. I then alerted our members and placed them on standby to mobilise. Three of us were at rest centres up and down the A3.

'I want to pass on my thanks to the members involved and congratulate them on a huge job well done.'

Pat Morris, Commander of St John Ambulance in Hampshire, added: 'Our response to the calls for help was fast, efficient and well-co-ordinated.

'Our volunteers were much appreciated by the people they helped and the agencies who called on us.  I am so proud of them and their excellent work proves once again that St John Ambulance is a vital lifeline in these emergencies.'