Meet David, a Volunteer First Aider at St John Ambulance Cymru...
69-year-old David has been a member of St John Ambulance Cymru since 2011, but his history with first aid goes way back.
This year, David has been invited to join the Priory for Wales, an independent Priory of the Order of St John, which is a working Order of Chivalry of the British Crown.
Volunteers get nominated anonymously to join the Order of St John, for demonstrating values of devotion, togetherness, faithfulness, diversity and inclusiveness in their volunteer work.
David, who volunteers at Deeside and Mold Division, joined the charity back in 2011 to spend more time with his partner, who is also a dedicated volunteer at St John Ambulance Cymru.
David worked for the railway service for 45 years and was a designated first aider in the railway industry from 1977 until his retirement. He recalls doing his first ever first aid session with St John whilst employed there and regularly using his skills to hold educational first aid sessions for his fellow colleagues.
Throughout David’s career and time with St John Ambulance Cymru, there have been various instances where he has saved someone’s life with first aid. In 1988 David received an award from work for persuading someone not to take their own life and in 2000 he received an award for CPR after a 15-year-old boy got electrified. Most recently in October 2023, David saved a friend’s wife using CPR after she suffered a cardiac arrest at Liverpool Football Club. His first aid skills have been a real lifeline to those around him.
David volunteered over 300 hours at the COVID vaccination centre in Deeside during the pandemic, showing a huge commitment to keeping his community safe. He regularly supports events in the local community, often helping out at Chester football club.
“I volunteer because I love the comradery, meeting up with people and passing on knowledge to younger members” David recalls. “At my Division, we support each other, it’s a really lovely environment. Everyone is equal and allowed to express themselves and their feelings.”
“I feel more than honoured to have been nominated to join the Order within the Priory for Wales.” David said, “I’m over the moon”.
David will be invested at the Annual Investiture Service on the 15th June. He is looking forward to many more years volunteering with his Division and helping his community.