St John Ambulance's Harborough virtual cadet unit is appealing for more youngsters to join them

You could help to save a life by joining St John Ambulance's Market Harborough virtual cadet unit.

They are appealing for more youngsters to join them now – and learn critical life-saving skills.

The town’s team went live in November amid the Covid-19 pandemic.

And it’s now a “thriving success” thanks to the hard work of Cadet First Aiders Harry Cooke - Cadet to the Lord-Lieutenant of Leicestershire - and Luke Stevenson, National and District Cadet of the Year.

The outstanding teenagers are supported by enthusiastic adult volunteers.

But Harry and Luke plan and deliver the crucial online training sessions and have completed a Welcome event for the cadets, with other subjects coming up.

There are now nearly a dozen regular volunteers at the unit.

Local families interested in these volunteering opportunities are encouraged to apply at youthjoining.sja.org.ukCadets are St John Ambulance's volunteers aged between 10 and 17.

Cadet leaders help them learn the skills needed to save a life.

They also guide them through games and activities to work towards their Grand Prior Award, the highest accolade that can be achieved by a St John Ambulance Cadet.

No prior first aid or volunteering experience is required to become a Cadet and all necessary training will be given at a weekly meeting.

Luke Stevenson, Unit Lead for Market Harborough Virtual Cadets, said: “We’d love to hear from local families who would like to enrol their youngsters - so they can start their volunteering journey and learn to be the next generation of life-savers.

“Our young people around the country are inspirational and we regularly hear of Cadets using their first aid skills to help others.”

He added: “Being a Cadet is a great way to get experience before going to university.

“The skills picked up can be extremely useful for those wishing to study medicine or healthcare subjects and who are planning a career in this area.”

The cadet group meets every Wednesday between 6.30pm and 8pm, in term-time only.

Market Harborough is a virtual unit and meets on Microsoft Teams.

Parents interested in enrolling their children can contact Jean Mardon for an informal discussion at [email protected]