A teenager from West Sussex, who used her first aid skills to help three people, has met HRH The Princess Royal, who is a patron of St John Ambulance, at the charity’s annual Young Achievers’ Reception.
Katharine Evans, 15, was among more than 80 young people were invited to the reception at Buckingham Palace on 19 March, which acknowledged their hard work and commitment to the charity.
The event honoured St John Ambulance Badgers, Cadets, and young carers who have all made outstanding contributions during their time as young volunteers with the organisation.
Katharine, who lives in Horsham, was nominated to attend the prestigious ceremony after helping an elderly woman who had fallen in the road and calling an ambulance for her. Katharine also helped a friend who had a fall while skiing and was struggling to breathe, and another friend who was having an asthma attack.
Katharine joined as an 11 year old, completed her Grand Prior Award in 2013 and is currently a Leading Cadet in the Horsham cadet unit. She has managed to complete close to 200 hours of volunteer first aid duties for St John Ambulance.
Katharine said: ‘I am honoured to be recognised and am looking forward to the reception very much. It will be a wonderful opportunity to meet other young achievers and share stories of their journeys. This is the first time I will have met a member of the Royal family or been inside Buckingham Palace, which is an amazing privilege.’
Each young person was given the honour of meeting HRH The Princess Royal – who has the official title of Commandant in Chief, Youth for St John Ambulance – and had the opportunity to discuss their experiences as a volunteer during the reception.
St John Ambulance believes that every young person should have the opportunity to learn basic life saving skills. Working with young people aged from five to 25, the organisation aims to provide a fun and safe environment to learn essential first aid. The Young Achievers’ reception offers St John Ambulance the opportunity to reward the excellent work of their younger volunteers.
Wendy Human, Director of Charitable Initiatives and Training at St John Ambulance said: ‘The reception is a great way for us to recognise the commitment and outstanding work of these young people. They have all proven themselves as outstanding individuals and we hope that they are pleased with the opportunity to meet Her Royal Highness.’
‘Katharine has been an asset to her local community all year round and she fully deserved to be rewarded with this invitation.’
