A teenager from Norfolk met HRH The Princess Royal, who is a patron of St John Ambulance, at the charity’s annual Young Achievers’ Reception last week.
Paris Eley, 15, was among more than 80 young people who were invited to the reception at Buckingham Palace on March 19, which acknowledged their hard work and commitment to the charity.
The event honoured St John Ambulance Badgers, Cadets, and young carers who have all made outstanding contributions during their time as young volunteers with the organisation.
Paris, who lives in Great Yarmouth and is a pupil at Cliff Park Ormiston Academy and is a Cadet at the St John Ambulance Waveney unit, was nominated to attend the prestigious ceremony after gaining her Grand Prior Award, the highest qualification a St John Ambulance Cadet can receive, showing her dedication to studying first aid and the many other subjects which make up the award.
She said: “I was really honoured to be nominated for this once-in-a-lifetime experience. The best thing about being part of St John Ambulance is being able to learn new skills and apply them in real-life situations. I would absolutely recommend it to others.”
Each young person was given the honour of meeting HRH The Princess Royal – who has the official title of Commandant in Chief, Youth for St John Ambulance - and had the opportunity to discuss their experiences as a volunteer during the reception.
St John Ambulance believes that every young person should have the opportunity to learn basic life saving skills. Working with young people aged from five to 25, the organisation aims to provide a fun and safe environment to learn essential first aid. The Young Achievers’ Reception offers St John Ambulance the chance to reward the excellent work of their younger volunteers.
Wendy Human, Director of Charitable Initiatives and Training at St John Ambulance said: “The reception is a great way for us to recognise the commitment and outstanding work of these young people. They have all proven themselves as outstanding individuals and we hope that they are
pleased with the opportunity to meet Her Royal Highness.
“Paris has been an asset to her local community all year round and she fully deserved to be rewarded with this invitation.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here