Cadet of the year

Timothy Strange a 17-year-old Cadet from Horsham, Sussex, has been named the St John Ambulance National Cadet of the Year 2008.

Alex Feuchtwanger from Oxfordshire, Matthew Todd from Humberside and Ellen Poniatowska from the West Midlands were appointed as the three Deputy Cadets of the Year.

Forty-five Cadets from across the country took part in the annual National Cadet of the Year competition in Nottingham last weekend. Cadets were assessed on a variety of skills including teamwork, initiative under pressure, organisation, leadership and interpersonal communication. 

'It's amazing, no words can describe how I feel' said Tim. 'I really didn't expect to win the competition, I feel so honoured!

Tim's family were there on the day to wish him luck and were equally as jubilant when the announcement was made. 'We're immensely proud. It's been a great year for Tim and he deserves it, said his dad Steve Strange.

St John Ambulance has over 26,000 youth members and believes that every young person should have the opportunity to make a real difference in their community, to speak out on what matters to them and to help others in need of support and development. As National Cadet of the Year, Tim will act as an ambassador for all Cadets at a range of events – including charity balls, award ceremonies and competitions - representing the organisation which is the nation's leading first aid charity.

Tim continued: 'St John Ambulance's Youth Strategy has offered huge benefits to people like me. I want to show that at St John Ambulance we learn more than first aid. We have fun, make friends, help people and learn new things – from DIY to law and kayaking.

Sarah Holmes, Chief Commissioner Youth said: 'This has been another amazing weekend and we have come away from it with four fantastic ambassadors for the organisation. At a time when young people are considered a nuisance to society, our Cadets have once again shown what an outstanding credit they are to the organisation, their families and the local community.

'It is a great achievement to be nominated to take part in this competition, let alone win it. Tim demonstrated tremendous dedication and enthusiasm over the course of the competition and we are delighted that he is our National Cadet of the Year for 2008.'