National Cadet of the year revealed

Derby teenager Alice Peach has gained the prestigious title of St John Ambulance National Cadet of the Year 2010.

Alice, 15, from Chaddesden, Derby, beat off stiff competition from 37 other Cadets from across the country for the sought after title.

Alice attended the annual competition in Eastwood Hall, Nottingham from 12-14 February having already been elected County Cadet of the Year for Derbyshire.

As National Cadet of the Year Alice will represent all St John Ambulance Cadets at a range of events including charity balls, award ceremonies and competitions, acting as an ambassador for the organisation which is the nation’s leading first aid charity. One of Alice's first duties will be a reception at Buckingham Palace with HRH The Princess Royal who is Commandant in Chief (Youth) for St John Ambulance.

Putting their skills to the test

To reach the coveted title, Cadets were assessed on a variety of skills throughout the weekend including teamwork, initiative under pressure, organisation and leadership.

Once the judging was complete the national title was bestowed to Alice alongside three deputies - Katie Costello from Humberside, Eythyn Ward from Devon and Edward Robinson from Nottinghamshire.

An honour

‘It is an absolute privilege to be chosen as the St John Ambulance National Cadet of the Year. This is the highest achievement a Cadet can gain in St John and I feel very proud to be able to represent and raise awareness of our youth members.

'I want to be able to show that as well as first aid, there is so much more to St John Ambulance. During this weekend alone we have learnt etiquette, made new friends amongst our peers across the country, used social and communication skills at a formal dinner and given interviews and presentations.

'I was one of the youngest competitors there and standards in the competition were really high. I have never entered a national competition before and now we are representing the new generation of St John Ambulance. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity!’ said Alice.

Caring for others

Alice hopes to go on to a career in medicine and to use her skills to help people in need. Since wanting to be a surgeon at the age of five and later pursuing a career in paediatrics, joining St John Ambulance at the age of 10 was the natural progression to gain skills and experience to help make a difference. Last year she was part of a team of Derby Cadets taking part in one of the biggest national first aid duties – the London Marathon.

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.

Positive role models

Daryl Perkins, Chief Officer Youth at St John Ambulance, said: ‘The youth of today often get bad press, but our Cadets have highlighted what is positive about young people. They are a credit to St John Ambulance, their families and their local communities. Alice demonstrated tremendous dedication and enthusiasm over the course of the competition and we are delighted that she is representing the young people across the UK.’