St John Cymru
121. Jason Venables John
A 20 year-old St John Cymru Wales volunteer from Fishguard, Pembrokeshire has worked his way up the ranks and inspired hundreds of cadets as a youth leader.
Jason Venables-John, who volunteers with St John Cymru Wales, has spent more than half his life dedicating his free time to helping others; he joined St John when he was 9 and over the last 11 years has progressed from Cadet to Senior Youth Leader. John is currently responsible for 250 St John Cadets and also looks after a team of Youth Leaders who manage these youth members. His selfless work has led to becoming an outstanding role model to the younger generation and a shining light for volunteering in South Wales.
Jason not only continues to volunteer providing First Aid assistance at big events in locations such as the Millennium Stadium, but as a senior volunteer at St John Cymru Wales he also helps to keep training programmes up to date, meeting Youth Leaders every week to provide advice and support on programmes. He has previously spent two weeks in Zambia teaching first aid to police officers, teachers and school children. His work has helped to encourage other young Cadets to develop and become outstanding volunteers in their own right.
St John Ambulance has also recognised Jason for his achievements by awarding him with the Sovereign’s Award in March 2014. This is awarded to outstanding individuals who have volunteered over 1,000 hours of their time to help other people in a single year and is testament to his contribution to St John and his local community. Jason is only the third person ever to receive this award in Wales.
Prime Minister David Cameron said:
“From Wales to Zambia, Jason has gone above and beyond to help so many people and is an outstanding member of his local community. Through his work with hundreds of Cadets and Youth Leaders, Jason is leading by example and giving other young people the same opportunities to volunteer and grow as a person. I am delighted to award Jason with his Point of Light today”.
Jason said:
““I am thrilled to receive this award, but feel it is important to thank all the volunteers and staff for all the opportunities offered to me as a youth member. Volunteering for St John Cymru Wales has given me some of the best opportunities, life changing memories, that I will never forget!”
Jenny Willott, Jason’s local MP said:
“Jason has made a fantastic contribution to St John Wales. He has helped many people through his first aid skills as well as encouraging and teaching young people to learn and help others. I’m delighted that Jason’s service has been recognised by making him a Point of Light.”