TWO Nelson young adult first aiders have been honoured with the presentation of their St John Ambulance Grand Prior awards.
This prestigious level of qualification – the highest a cadet can achieve – marks the end of all their years of training as St John Ambulance Cadets over the past nine years.
They studied an array of 28 subjects to obtain their awards, including various levels of first aid, caring for others, firefighting, safety, “Legal-Eagle, Knowledge of the Order”, complementary therapies and many others.
They were Sophie McNeilly (20), an employee at Oddies bakery shop in Pendle Rise Shopping Centre, Nelson, but also a student of nursing, and Jason Tyhurst (21), an employee of bed firm Silentnight. Both of them have now joined the Adult Division at Nelson and are very pro-active members. They are to be seen frequently at many Nelson events providing first aid cover.
The cadet leaders at the division have made it clear they are very proud of Sophie and Jason and have wished them well in their respective future plans. The awards were presented at the annual county carol service held at St Andrew’s Parish Church in Preston.
Awards were also presented to two retiring adult members from Nelson’s St. John Ambulance Unit at the Christmas Party, held at the Crown Hotel.
Mr Alan Ingham has been the duties officer for the past 15 years and has provided a vital service to the local community. He will be sadly missed, as he leaves to pursue other interests.
Also retired is the unit’s former superintendent, Mr Jonathan Hartley who again held office for 14 years. He ran a thoroughly efficient division with exemplary levels of various training and qualifications that brigade members required to be efficient and professional on duty.
He is also sadly missed. Both Alan and Jonathon were presented with gifts by their friends at the division in recognition of their services.
Nelson president Peter Dewhurst said: “I would like to congratulate Sophie and Jason. They were great cadets but they are now highly capable first aid workers and do a lot of work.
“I am sad we have lost both Jonathan and Alan – they have been fantastic officers and friends who worked very hard, and we miss them greatly. I do congratulate them on what they have done over many years and wish them well for their new roles.”