Two St John Ambulance cadets have received the prestigious Grand Prior award – the first time the award has been made in Frome for 25 years.
Cadet corporals Lauren Brixey (15) and Kelley Harrison (16) have spent many years working on the award, and were presented with their certificates in a special presentation on Monday 11th January. Somerset deputy commander Roy Prager visited the Frome base in Bath Street to congratulate the cadets and make the presentation.
Esther Taylor, nursing officer and cadet leader, has been guiding the cadets through the award. “They’ve had to achieve 24 badge subjects,” she explained. “They’ve covered a real variety of activities including first aid, camping, fundraising, and photography.”
The Grand Prior is the highest cadet award. Lauren and Kelley are both enthusiastic cadets, and hope that the award will help them in their chosen careers. “We both want to be paramedics, so that was a real motivation,” said Kelley. “We’ve really enjoyed doing it – it’s been a lot of fun.”
St John Ambulance cadet units are open to young people aged 10-17. As well as providing first aid training, the interactive programme gives cadets the chance to gain skills and experience in many other areas.
Above: Lauren Brixey and Kelley Harrison receive their awards from Somerset deputy commander Roy Prager.
