HER ROYAL Highness The Duchess of Gloucester met St John Ambulance Cymru volunteers of all ages in Cardiff on 24 April, hearing about the great work they do learning, promoting and providing first aid in communities across Wales.
The Duchess of Gloucester met volunteers from the first aid charity for Wales at St John The Baptist City Parish Church as part of a visit to the capital, which involved visits to several organisations with which she is connected.
Her Royal Highness, who is Commandant-in-Chief of St John Ambulance Cymru, was received by His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of South Glamorgan, Mrs Morfudd Meredith, before being introduced to St John Ambulance Cymru’s Prior for Wales, Paul Griffiths OBE KStJ DL; Chief Volunteer, Richard Paskell MBE CStJ and the Rev Canon Sarah Jones, Priest-in-Charge at St John’s Church.
Once inside the church, the Duchess spoke to volunteers who had travelled from across Wales to be part of the event and heard how they had gained first aid skills with the charity, in addition to the various ways those skills had been put into action.
As well as meeting Badgers and Cadets, Her Royal Highness also spoke to individuals involved with the Prince of Wales Nursing Cadet Scheme, together with young adults and learned how their volunteering had provided experience and foundation for a future career in the healthcare sector.
The Duchess also met adult volunteers who fulfil various vital roles for St John Ambulance Cymru, including those who have given decades of service to the charity providing first aid cover at event, and those who give up their time to lead Badger and Cadet groups all across Wales.
Prior for Wales, Paul Griffiths OBE KStJ DL said: “It was an honour to meet the Duchess of Gloucester and introduce Her Royal Highness to a cross section of dedicated volunteers that are the lifeblood of our charity.
“We are extremely grateful for the time the Duchess gave to speaking to our volunteers and for the interest she took in hearing about the skills and experiences they had gained on their journey with St John Ambulance Cymru.”
Her Royal Highness also met Wardens and volunteers of St John The Baptist City Parish Church, which serves as the ‘Priory Church’ for the Welsh Priory, of the Order of St John. It is the second oldest building in Cardiff.
