Ballymoney cadet receives Royal Recognition

Nadia, 17, attends Dalriada School in Ballymoney and is a member of the St. John Ambulance Ballymoney Cadet Division. Last September she took part in the Cadet of the Year competition where the selection process included an interview, presentation and an initiative/team building exercise. After taking part in this, Nadia was named Northern Ireland's 'Cadet of the Year'.

This is a prestigious achievement for Nadia and to mark this she was invited to attend a reception to meet her Royal Highness the Princess Royal in her capacity as Commandant in Chief (Youth) at Buckingham Palace. Speaking after the ceremony Nadia explained that she was very excited.

"I was very excited about meeting the Princess Royal it is a huge honour and I was delighted to be invited to the reception. It was also a chance for me to meet all the new friends I had made during my visit to St. John Ambulance activities in England' said Nadia.

"I was over the moon to be named the 'Cadet of the Year'. I have been a Cadet with the Ballymoney Cadet Division for four years now and what I enjoy most about being part of St. John Ambulance is the community feeling and the voluntary service to others. Everyone helps each other to learn and develop life-long friendships.

St John Ambulance's Youth Strategy has offered huge benefits to people like me. An ever-changing programme, achievement that is rewarded and the chance to give young people a voice. At St John Ambulance, we learn more than first aid. We have fun, make friends, help people and learn new things - from DIY to law and kayaking," she added.

Fellow Cadet, Khara Rennie also from the Ballymoney Cadet Division, accompanied Nadia to the reception in recognition of her gaining her Grand Prior Award. As Northern Ireland Cadet of the Year, Nadia will be an ambassador for all St John Ambulance Cadets at a range of events over the year 2010 - including charity balls, award ceremonies and competitions.