Uttlesford: Hannah Perry named Regional Cadet of the Year

Hannah Perry, who lives in Great Dunmow, volunteers at the Saffron Walden Cadet Unit, where she is a Cadet Corporal.

Last year she was named as the District Cadet of the Year for Essex, and she is currently the Lord Lieutenant's Cadet for 2024.

She was selected for the regional title from 35 of St John Ambulance's 'superstar' cadets, who all won district competitions to earn their place in the national final at Ingestre Hall in Staffordshire.

At the Saffron Walden Cadet unit, Hannah has completed courses including Cadet Leader 1&2, Cadet Operational First Aider, Cadet Buddy, Intoxication Decision and Medicine Management.

She is also involved in planning sessions, leading parade at the beginning and end of a unit meeting and ensuring all information is sent out to the group chat.

Hannah is allowed to run her own training sessions, writing a plan beforehand and completing a risk assessment, and helps welcome new cadets.

On nights run by adult members she often helps out with demonstrations and teaching, as well as sometimes running a group.

She has recently applied for both Lead Cadet and Cadet Sergeant, which would increase her responsibilities within the unit.

Hannah said: "I would particularly like to focus on youth voice, increase fundraising for units and the organisation, and, most importantly, represent St John Ambulance at formal events and provide first aid support.

"I'm honoured to have been chosen for this important role, that will not only positively impact me, but also the inspiring young people around me.

"I am extremely excited to work with the other brilliant Cadets on the National Cadet of the Year team, making 2024 one of the best years for all of us."

In the past Hannah has used her first aid training to treat a potentially fractured foot, a boy who hit his head after a fall, and has dealt with faints, seizures, falls and intoxication.

Outside of St John Ambulance Hannah attends a weekly gymnastics session, dance classes and competitive fencing.

She took part in Guides until 2022, has a Bronze Duke of Edinburgh Award, and in February this year Hannah went to Poland with an organisation called 'Lessons from Auschwitz' to visit the former concentration camp.

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As well as volunteering for St John Ambulance, Hannah volunteers for The Pet Charity, has just started as a YOPEY Befriender for people with dementia and fundraises for guide dogs.

St John Ambulance chief commissioner Ann Cable, who led the presentation of awards to the winning cadets, said: "Hannah has shown determination, wide-ranging knowledge and exceptional ability throughout this selection event and thoroughly deserves her title as Regional Cadet of the Year.

"I’d like to congratulate her for such an impressive performance over the weekend and I look forward to seeing the positive impact she will make in the region as the voice of all the other Cadets there. Well done!"