Bexleyheath teenager will be pivotal part of St John Ambulance centenary celebrations
By Morgan Ofori, Local Democracy Reporter
A teenager has been selected to receive a prestigious award from one of the biggest volunteering groups in the country.
Shimin Hoang, 17, Bexleyheath has won the St John’s ambulance’ District Cadet of the year for South London.
Shimin, has also won the Miller First Aid award, which means she was the highest scoring cadet in the first aid tests
She will be representing all other Cadets in the county at many events and other special occasions.
Shimin will play a key role inthe 100th anniversary of the foundation of their cadet section, this year, 2022 – for 10–17-year-old volunteers.
In June, she will be there as the group celebrate St John’s Day at St Paul’s Cathedral. It will be a chance to focus on how young volunteers contribute to the charity.
Shimin said: “The National Cadet of the Year competition was a once in a lifetime opportunity that I never thought I would get. It was with the help of my unit leaders and my peers that I have the honour of being District Cadet of the Year.
“I’ve made lifelong friends. I hope to work with my other Cadets of the Year and leaders to push forward new projects in the year of youth.”
Chief executive, Martin Hughton-Brown said: “I’d like to pass on my congratulations to her for this well-deserved recognition and wish her every success in this important role.
“Today, our cadets play a major role in the charity and their contribution is to be applauded. Our young people regularly tell us how enjoyable their time as a cadet is and many of them who volunteer with us are motivated to pursue medical or nursing degrees at university and to go into a career in healthcare.
“Some take other life skills from Cadets such as confidence, lifelong friendships, and a positive impact on wellbeing. The benefits of learning first aid simply cannot be understated.”
St John’s ambulance have several opportunities for people to join locally and help further their core first aid mission.
As well as roles working with our young people, there are vacancies in support of the ongoing NHS vaccination program and as first aiders and support team members.
Full details can be found at www.sja.org.uk/cadets