The Cadet Legacy of Joshua Taylor

Joshua Taylor, St John Ambulance Cymru’s National Young Adult of the Year for 2023, has been a member of the charity since 2019 when he first joined up as a Cadet.

He is currently studying at Wrexham University and still loves giving up his free time to volunteer with St John Ambulance Cymru.

Looking back Joshua recalls what he liked about being a St John Ambulance Cymru Cadet “I really enjoyed the regional events where I got to meet and work with all the other Cadets across North Wales.” These events allowed him to make connections with likeminded individuals from across the whole North Wales region, as well as develop his own first aid skills.

In 2021, Joshua became the charity’s National Cadet of the Year, which involved representing Cadets from across Wales. When he was awarded, he was able to attend even larger events and connect with even more individuals, which he loved.

Joshua says: 

“the Cadets really helped me develop my confidence when speaking to people and giving presentations, as well as helping me develop strong situational awareness and operational thinking.”

During his time with the Cadets, Joshua was able to meet Princess Anne at the Young Achievers Reception. This is one of his special memories with St John Ambulance Cymru, along with attending local events and organisational Investiture ceremonies.

“I love how St John Ambulance Cymru is like having a second family” he says, “everyone is so supportive.”

Joshua wants to enhance the first aid knowledge he learnt from the Cadets and continue to give back to his community through volunteering with St John Ambulance Cymru.

“I’d like to use my role of National Young Adult of the Year to inspire younger generations and empower young people across Wales” he says.