St John Guernsey Cadet, James King has been named as the 2023 District Cadet of the Year, thereby qualifying as a finalist in the National Cadet of the Year competition.
James travelled to Nottingham recently, to take part in the next stages of the competition designed to single out the most outstanding St John Ambulance Cadet. Contestants were required to complete a first aid challenge to demonstrate their life saving abilities, take part in a team building exercise, give presentations and be interviewed by judges. After a hotly contested 3 days, the National Cadet of the year role was eventually won by Kyle Dean-Curtis from Barnet.
“Being able to attend the National Cadet of the Year Competition in the UK was one of the greatest privileges I have been given. Over the course of the three days spent in Nottingham, I made friends with many of my fellow District Cadets and memories that will last me a lifetime. It was truly amazing to be able to meet other cadets from around the country who all share the same passion for the St John organisation and the work that we do” said James (17).
James, who is a Senior Cadet with St John Guernsey and helps to run the unit by leading groups of junior cadets, joined the charity after meeting the voluntary event first aid team at a Seafront Sunday and taking a tour of the ambulance. He progressed through the youth programme, first as a Badger, before becoming a cadet. He is currently studying for his biology, computer science, and sociology A levels. In his spare time, he is working towards obtaining his private pilot licence with hopes of going into the aviation industry.
As Cadet of the Year James will represent St John at various high-profile events including the annual Charybdis memorial service & Remembrance Day service.
St John Ambulance Guernsey Chief Executive, Heather Langlois, said: “Congratulations to James for being made the Guernsey Cadet of the Year. The Cadets are really put through their paces in this competition and tested not only on their first aid skills, but also how they benefit their community and James is a very worthy winner of the accolade. We are all extremely proud of him – and indeed of all our youth members”.
St John Cadets is for young people aged 10 to 18-years-old and meetings take place on a Tuesday evening at the St John Ambulance hall at the Rohais. Life-saving skills are at the heart of the cadet programme and there is also the opportunity for young people to use these first aid skills by supporting our adult volunteers at events. Many of the cadets progress on to careers within the healthcare sector.
Anyone interested in joining St John can find out more by getting in touch by email info@stjohn.gg or by telephoning 01481 727129.