Upper Beeding resident appointed MBE

Dr James Walsh, of Rustington, is pictured with his successor as Sussex St John Ambulance County Commander Paul Dedman, who presented him with a long service award for 37 years with the first aid group

Previous commander of St John Ambulance, Paul Victor Dedman, 65, has been included in the Queen’s New Year’s Honours list for nearly 30 years of service with the first aid group.

He said: “The lovely thought is so many people I have worked with and family have said that this person needs to be recognised. It’s nice to be appreciated.”

Previously the charity’s county director, Mr Dedman replaced Dr James Walsh as Commander – the most senior voluntary post in the organisation.

Dr Walsh said: “It’s a very well deserved award for someone who has given many years of his life to volunteer services, not just to the community but St John Ambulance.

“It’s a great tribute to Paul but also to the work of St John Ambulance. I’m personally delighted for him.”

Until recently, Mr Dedman was responsible for the county’s 2,000 volunteers who provide first aid cover at hundreds of public events across Sussex each year.

“The amount of life saving that is carried out is absolutely magnificent,” said Mr Dedman.

“It’s one of the most worthwhile things I have been involved in.”

Mr Dedman first became involved with St John Ambulance’s Steyning division in 1986. He has also been a member of the Lions Club International for 35 years and was the first school parent governor for Upper Beeding Primary and Junior School.

Now the 65-year-old is a retired senior engineering manager and lives with his wife Daphne of 41 years.

“The people I really need to thank are my family. I could not have given over my time to charitable organisations without their support. My wife has supported me all the way and she is delighted for me.”