St. John volunteers receive awards for long service

2012 marks the 60th anniversary of the revival of the charity in Northern Ireland.

Nancy Linton was recognised for chalking up 32 years service while Anne Campbell was one of a number of recipients awarded ‘Bars to the Service Medal of the Order’ for 22 years of volunteering.

Anne joined the St John Ambulance Cadets in 1965 and transferred to an adult division in 1969 before moving to the United States in 1973.

She rejoined St John Ambulance on her return and focused mainly on the development of cadets as well as volunteering in the adult division.

She relishes her current role of Cadet Superintendent within the Ballymoney Cadets. Christina Kirkpatrick also from the Ballymoney Division received a Second Bar to the Service Medal of the Order for 22 years of service and Nancy Linton from the division was awarded a fourth bar to the Service Medal of the Order for an impressive 32 years of voluntary service.

Volunteers from the charity’s divisions throughout Northern Ireland travelled to Hillsborough to the ceremony, where 21 volunteers that together represent a whooping 475 years of service, were recognised for their outstanding contribution.

The Knight Commander, Sir William Hall commented on the achievements of the volunteers.

“This is the third occasion where I have presented volunteers with accolades for service and at each event I am reminded of the vital first aid service that the volunteers provide. It is a privilege for me to recognise their years of service,” said Sir Hall.

“The fact that we have volunteers receiving accolades, for over 12 to a remarkable 37 years of service, is an outstanding achievement and not one that many organisations can celebrate. I am delighted to be able to present the awards and congratulate all the recipients,” he added.

St. John Ambulance Northern Ireland has 750 adult volunteers who delivered a total of 45,000 hours of service in 2010 alone. The charity embraces all sections of the community and through its youth, section offers a wide range of activities to over 1000 young people under the age of 25. For more information on St. John Ambulance services visit www.ni.sja.org.uk or call 028 90 799 393.