WARRINGTON based cadet Sonali Koku Hannadige has been congratulated and named as St John Ambulance’s Regional Cadet of the Year for 2023 for the North West.
The 17-year-old from Macclesfield, who is also the District Cadet of the Year for Cheshire, was selected from 36 of the charity’s superstar Cadets – all of whom had won district competitions to earn their place at the recent national final at Eastwood Hall, Nottinghamshire.
The Cadet programme (10–17-year-olds), which celebrated its centenary last year, plays a huge role in developing the next generations of health professionals, volunteers and lifesavers. Last year more than 1,600 young Cadets provided 45,700 hours of lifesaving first aid and care alongside adult St John volunteers.
The finalists faced rigorous challenges which demonstrated not only their exemplary first aid knowledge but questioned about their passion for volunteering in their community, leadership communication and teamwork skills.
Sonali has completed several courses at St John, including Cadet Operational First Aider, Cadet Leadership 1, and Cadet Demonstrator, and has subsequently had the opportunity to use her first aid skills at the Royal Cheshire Show last year and during her Duke Of Edinburgh Silver Award, treating various conditions including someone who had fainted, a sprain and hyperventilation. She was also Warrington unit’s Cadet of the Year in 2021.
At the Warrington Cadet unit, which she joined during lockdown, Sonali leads group discussions and assists during casualty simulations and first aid scenarios, supporting younger and newer Cadets who are participating in these activities.
She is currently volunteering in the Cardiology ward of a local hospital to show her thanks and appreciation of the NHS community and reinforcing her intention to have a career in healthcare.
After being selected as Regional Cadet of the Year, Sonali said: “I am honestly still in shock – the gravity of the role really hasn’t sunk in yet. I’m incredibly excited about the future, and about working with my fellow Regional Cadets and the National Cadet, whose roles were all very well-deserved. Over the weekend, all the team tasks, especially the African drumming, were my highlights, as was the disco on the Saturday evening!
“Over the next 12 months, I’m looking forward to advocating for St John and its young people, and being able to show to members of the public the importance of the work that St John Ambulance does.
“To other young people in the North West – I say absolutely go for it! There are countless opportunities within the organisation, and all you’ve got to do is ask questions, be inquisitive and have that drive to always help the people around you.”
Sonali will now represent St John Ambulance at high-profile events and ceremonial occasions.
Outgoing National Cadet of the Year, Georgina Heron-Edmends, said: “This past year has taken me all around the country to meet royalty and hear and see some amazing young people actively making a difference in their communities. Young people are not the voices of tomorrow, they are the first aiders, advocates, and face of our organisation in the here and now.”
St John Ambulance Chief Executive, Martin Houghton-Brown, who sat on the judging panel, said: “Congratulations to our winners. The National Cadet of the Year competition is one of the highlights of my year. It really is such a privilege to spend time with all of these outstanding young people. Our Cadets are really put through their paces and tested not only on their first aid, but also how they have benefited their communities.
“This year, as always, we have Cadets who have used their first aid skills to help people in extraordinary situations from seizures in schools, head injuries at football matches, a chain saw injury to helping someone who had fallen off a horse amongst other urgent first aid scenarios. I am extremely proud of all of the finalists and indeed of all our young people across St John – you are a credit to St John and your communities.”
Congratulations were expressed too by Ann Cable, St John Ambulance’s Chief Commissioner, who also sat on the judging panel. She said: “Sonali gave an exceptional performance across the board and is a worthy winner, congratulations to her.”
The team of eight Regional Cadets of the Year, the Commanderies Cadet of the Year and the overall National Cadet of the Year have a key role in making sure the voices of young volunteers are heard at the highest level in St John and also represent St John Ambulance at ceremonial occasions. His Majesty is Sovereign Head of the Order of St John, St John Ambulance’s parent charity.
St John Ambulance youth programmes range from those aged 5-25 years and rely on volunteers and donations. Ask Us how you can get involved and find out more at www.sja.org.uk
St John Ambulance Chief Commissioner, Ann Cable; Regional Cadet of the Year 2023 for the North West, Sonali Koku Hannadige; Regional Cadet of the Year 2022 for the North, Annmaria Tome; The Prior of the Priory of England and the Islands of the Order of St John, Stuart Shilson. Credit: Brian Aldrich Photography.
