A Family Affair

St John Ambulance Cymru is part of the international St John Ambulance organisation. It’s a leading provider of first aid services and training in Wales. Cheryl James is a long-standing volunteer.

My journey with St John Ambulance Cymru began with a spark of interest ignited by a family friend. They spoke highly of their experiences, detailing the vital role they played in providing first aid at various events. Their stories painted a vivid picture of the camaraderie, skill development, and community service involved. Despite my fascination, I never took the step to join as I was never home in time for class.

I married, had children and decided I should learn some first aid skills just in case.

I was eager to gain practical experience both on a personal level and to give something back to the community, I made enquiries and discovered that the Ammanford Division still met and that joining was straightforward. My daughter also expressed an interest and therefore off we went and the both of us joined on the same day. This decision marked the beginning of an incredible journey for our entire family.

Soon after my daughter and I joined, my two sons and husband decided to become members as well. Together, we participated in numerous duties, from local fêtes to large-scale events like concerts in the park etc. These experiences were not only fulfilling but also brought us closer as a family. We enjoyed the unique opportunity to serve our community together, creating memories and learning invaluable skills.

My involvement with St John Ambulance Cymru deepened when I took on the role of a youth leader for the Badgers, a program for children aged 6 to 11. This allowed me to inspire and educate young minds about the importance of first aid and community service. Later on, I became the Divisional Officer in charge of the Ammanford division, a position that brought new challenges and rewards.

Being part of St John Ambulance Cymru has been incredibly rewarding. I’ve met a diverse array of people, each dedicated to the mission of helping others. The sense of belonging and teamwork is unmatched, and the ability to give back to the community where I grew up has been profoundly satisfying. Whether it’s through providing first aid at events or mentoring the next generation, my time with St John Ambulance Cymru has been a fulfilling chapter in my life.