Standing ovation for Joyce at Hillsborough Castle

Joyce Cooper was awarded an Eighth Bar to the Service Medal of the Order and Gilt Laurel Leaf for 52 years of voluntary service at a ceremony in Hillsborough Castle.

At the presentation, Joyce, a former volunteer Commissioner, received a standing ovation from attendees on receiving her accolade.

She was among representatives from the charity’s divisions throughout Northern Ireland who attended the event where over 20 volunteers, together representing almost 460 years of service, were recognised for their outstanding contribution to the provision of a voluntary first aid service within the community.

Former head of the Priory of England and the Islands of The Order of St John Sir Brian Jenkins assisted His Honour John McKee in distributing the awards that began with the presentation of Grand Prior Awards to younger volunteers.

Adam Beattie and Benjamin McMahon, both Carrickfergus Q Division were among those who received certificates to mark the successful completion of six years of work undertaken under the Grand Prior Scheme.

Mr McKee commented: “The first aid and caring services of St. John Ambulance which are delivered free of charge to the public depends on the dedication and commitment of its volunteers based in local communities. It is a privilege for the Order of St. John in Northern Ireland to recognize the years of service of St. John Ambulance volunteers.

“To see the younger volunteers of St John Ambulance receive so many accolades is very encouraging in terms of the provision of First Aid in Northern Ireland in future years. The fact that we have volunteers receiving accolades for 12 to 52 years of service is an outstanding achievement and not one that many organisations can celebrate. “

St. John Ambulance has been caring for life in Northern Ireland since 1881. Every year the charity carries out commercial activities to fund its charitable work including first aid training. Each year it trains over 10,000 people in first aid and health and safety related training courses for the workplace.

In Northern Ireland there are 750 adult volunteers who delivered a total of 45,000 hours of service in 2008 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 visit www.ni.sja.org.uk or call 028 90 799 393.k