Amy, who has been volunteering with St John since the age of 18 is the daily Point of Light award winner for Friday 25 February 2022.
The award recognises outstanding individual volunteers and highlights the positive change they are making in their communities.
“I am really honoured that the Prime Minister has written to me personally The last two years have been tough at times, and I have experienced unforgettable things like holding someone’s hand as they passed away in A&E, but it has also been a really rewarding experience which I have loved. I have gained so much from my experiences volunteering through the pandemic that I’m now pursuing a Master’s degree in paramedic science."
Amy is a University of Portsmouth student and has volunteered with St John throughout the Covid-19 pandemic. Working tirelessly on the frontline, she has cared for patients at NHS London Nightingale Hospital before volunteering in Accident and Emergency Departments where she did regular 12-hour shifts. She is also a qualified volunteer vaccinator, helping to administer hundreds of jabs.
“I have really grown as a person volunteering for St John. Each day I learn something new that I can use in everyday life, not just about first aid, but also how to communicate with people and deal with pressure. I have also made some amazing friends through my volunteering and have created long-lasting memories with them.”
Amy, who comes from Abergavenny, South Wales, last year led her university student unit in training 300 members of the public in life saving CPR skills as is now a qualified ambulance crew.
She is now volunteering on ambulances responding to 999 calls across the south of England from London to Bristol.
“Huge congratulations to Amy who truly deserves this award. Amy is a shining example of the excellent service St John student volunteers have given to communities throughout the pandemic. As well as supporting the NHS on an ambulance and completing over 1,200 volunteering hours in 2020, she also leads a team of student volunteers – and all while studying! I’m so proud of her for all she’s achieved, and grateful for the hundreds of student volunteers like her around the country.”
- Jon Knight, Director of Youth & Volunteer Development, St John
