Wednesday 4 March 2026: Emily England, 17, from Banbury, Oxfordshire, has been named National Cadet of the Year and will now represent the voice of young volunteers across the first aid charity.

Emily, a former County Cadet of the Year for South East, competed against a selection of the charity’s superstar Cadets - all of whom had won district competitions to earn their place at the 2026 national final last weekend at Ingestre Hall in Staffordshire.

The National Cadet of the Year award, which celebrates its 40th anniversary in 2026, recognises Cadets who demonstrate not only their first aid knowledge but also their passion for volunteering in the community, their leadership, communication skills, and teamwork.

Emily joins a host of Cadets who have used their first aid skills in stressful situations including when she helped treat a minor head injury at Banbury Fair and supported her grandad when he was experiencing problems with medication.

Following the selection event, Emily said: "I'm delighted to have been awarded National Cadet of the Year, I am so passionate about this incredible organisation and am honoured to have the privilege to represent it at such a high level. Over this coming year I aim to use my platform as an ambassador to highlight the brilliance of our young people and entire St John Ambulance team while ensuring every voice feels heard!"

Emily will now represent St John Ambulance at high-profile events and ceremonial occasions including this year’s Young Achiever’s reception in London attended by The Princess Royal.

Rear Admiral Simon Williams CB CVO KStJ, Prior of the Priory of England and the Islands of the Order of St John said: “I am immensely proud of every Cadet who took part in this year’s National Cadet of the Year competition. As we mark the 40th anniversary of this award, it is inspiring to see such high levels of skill, confidence and compassion among our young volunteers.”

Shona Dunn CB, St John Ambulance Chief Executive said:

“The Cadets demonstrated not only outstanding first aid ability, but also leadership, teamwork and a genuine commitment to helping others. They represent the very best of St John Ambulance, and I have no doubt they will continue to make a real difference in their communities and beyond.”

Also recognised as Regional Cadets of the Year were the following: 

North West – Gracie Barton 

North East – Callie Cunningham

East Midlands – Martha Davies 

London – Shreeya Gulati 

West Midlands – Amelia Haydon 

South East – Ethan Miller

East of England – Ruben Pollard

South West – Aronas Jankauskis

Northern Ireland – Eve Weir

Tyler Wheeler was also awarded the Miller First Aid Trophy for scoring the highest points in the first aid assessments.

St John Ambulance’s Cadet programme is designed for 10 to 17-year-olds and plays a huge role in developing the next generation of health professionals, volunteers and lifesavers. Each year St John Cadets provide thousands of hours of life-saving first aid and care alongside adult volunteers. 

St John Ambulance youth programmes support young people from ages five to 25 years and rely on volunteers and donations to run.  Find out more at: sja.org.uk/young-people