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Give the gift of lifesaving skills this Christmas

For many of us, Christmas is a time to gather with the people we love most, create memories and spend precious time together.

But emergencies don’t stop for Christmas.

When baby Mia suddenly stopped breathing, her big brother Jack knew how to help.

When newborn Mohammad-Jawad began choking, his big brother Maitham knew what to do.

Thanks to the first aid skills they learned as St John Cadets, both young men were able to step forward in two terrifying emergencies and help save the lives of their baby siblings.

Two photographs of Maitham and Jack with their family.

These are skills that can make all the difference when every second counts – and they’re especially important during the busy winter months, when families come together and the risk of accidents and medical emergencies can increase.

That’s why St John Ambulance is committed to teaching young people the confidence and lifesaving skills they need to act when someone they love needs help.

Because the greatest gift isn’t found under a tree.

It’s knowing how to help someone you love.

Today, you can help more young people learn those same lifesaving skills.

Donate now

Meet Maitham

"He saved his brother that day."

When his two-day-old brother Mohammad-Jawad started choking and could no longer breathe properly, Maitham remained calm.

Remembering his St John Cadet training, he guided his mum through the correct first aid steps and helped clear the blockage.

Soon, baby Mohammad-Jawad was breathing again.

His proud mum, Raghad, later said:

"Maitham was telling me what to do, guiding us, telling us to call the ambulance. He saved his brother that day."

A photograph of Maitham with his mother, father, and baby brother, whose life he saved.

Meet Jack

"Jack's reassuring presence was just what I needed."

When 15-month-old Mia suffered a seizure and stopped breathing, Jack's mum Cassie called for help.

Drawing on his Cadet training, Jack stayed calm, called 999 and supported his mum throughout the emergency.

Thankfully, Mia recovered.

Reflecting on the experience, Cassie said:

"When Mia stopped breathing, everything I knew as a registered nurse disappeared. Suddenly I was just a mum, and all I could do was scream for Jack."

A photograph of Jack with his wife and baby girl, whose life he saved.

Help create more everyday lifesavers

Every year, St John Ambulance helps thousands of young people learn essential first aid, build confidence and develop skills they can use throughout their lives.

Today, around 8,000 young people are enrolled in our Badger and Cadet programmes. With your support, we can reach even more.

Jack and Maitham are remarkable young men.

But what helped them save their brother and sister wasn’t luck. It was training.

This Christmas, your gift could help another young person learn the skills, confidence and courage to step forward when someone they love needs them most.

Together, we can help create more everyday lifesavers and help keep families together this Christmas.