Alex Clewlow, Year 12 at Bedford Modern School, was among almost 100 young people invited to the St John Ambulance annual Young Achievers’ Reception in London earlier this year where he met HRH the Princess Royal, patron of the charity.
The event honoured St John Ambulance badgers (aged five to 10), cadets and young carers who all made outstanding contributions during their time as young volunteers with the organisation. Alex, who has spearheaded many new initiatives at the Bedford John Bunyan unit, has risen to be the most senior cadet at his unit. Alex organised a new annual plan including running fundraising sessions and first aid tuition for his fellow cadets each week. He has also used his first aid skills at public events, treating minor injuries and assisting healthcare professionals with more serious incidents.
Each young achiever was given both the honour of meeting HRH the Princess Royal, who has official title of Commandant in Chief, Youth for St John Ambulance, and the opportunity to discuss their experiences as a volunteer during the reception with fellow cadets.
Alex, aged 17, commented: “Being recognised as a Young Achiever shows me that, after years of hard work and dedication, what I have been doing is right and is helping others. One of the best parts of St John Ambulance is the opportunities it offers to young people. When I joined six years ago, I would never have thought I could save someone’s life, become a lead Cadet or go to Australia last year as part of the International Cadet Camp.”
John White, Director of Sixth Form, added: “Alex is selfless in his approach to volunteering with St. Johns Ambulance and we are very proud that he has been recognised with this wonderful award.”
To find out more about St John Ambulance’s youth programme, including how to join as a Badger or Cadet, and for information on becoming a youth leader, visit www.sja.org.uk.
