Shoreham teen is named Cadet of the Year

Will Hyatt, 14, who is studying for his GCSEs at Our Lady of Sion School in Worthing, beat off stiff competition to scoop the title at a competition held in Brighton.

He will now represent fellow Cadets from across Sussex throughout this year at public and St John Ambulance events.

In a competition designed to single out the district’s most outstanding St John Ambulance Cadet, Will had to complete a first aid challenge to demonstrate his life saving abilities, take part in a debate, as well as give a presentation and be interviewed by judges.

Will joined Shoreham and Portslade St John Ambulance as a Cadet five years ago.

He is now a Cadet Corporal within the unit and helps at the weekly meetings by giving support to younger volunteers, as well as passing on his first aid skills during training sessions.

He said: “I’m really happy to have won the District Cadet of the Year in my area. It was unexpected as I didn’t think I would be as good as everyone else.

“I have now learnt, through St John Ambulance, that with hard work I can achieve things I didn’t think I could.”

Will will now go on to compete for the title of overall South East Regional Cadet of the Year and National Cadet of the Year in April this year.

Jo Gardner, regional youth manager, said: “I hope Will enjoys the year in office and I am sure he will make the most of all of the opportunities offered and encourage more young people to learn the skills that can be the difference between a life lost and a life saved.”

St John Ambulance Cadets learn first aid along with a wide range of other subjects such as leadership, radio communications and personal development.

Older Cadets are given the chance to put their first aid and communication skills into practice by providing first aid to the public at events or teaching first aid to other young people and adults.

For more information on St John Ambulance, including the youth programme, how to make a donation, volunteering opportunities, and details of training, visit www.sja.org.uk or call 0303 003 0101.

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