Sheffield Teen Crowned St John Ambulance Regional Cadet of the Year 2026
A 16-year-old volunteer from Sheffield has been honoured as the Regional Cadet of the Year for the North East by St John Ambulance, following an impressive performance in a nationwide competition that celebrated its 40th anniversary. Callie Cunningham emerged victorious from over 35 of the UK's top Cadets, all of whom had previously won county-level contests to qualify for the national final.
Rigorous Competition Tests Skills and Leadership
The competition took place from February 27 to March 1 at Ingestre Hall near Stafford, where participants were evaluated on a range of critical abilities. The event included real-life scenarios, presentations, interviews, and problem-solving exercises designed to assess first-aid skills, leadership, teamwork, and communication. Callie, who is currently studying A-Levels in Psychology, Chemistry, Biology, and Maths at Sixth Form, volunteers at the Rotherham and Enzor Cadet unit.
Beyond School: Community Involvement and Achievements
Outside of her academic pursuits, Callie actively contributes to her community. She is a member of the Sheffield Children's Hospital Youth Forum and participates in a musical theatre club, performing in various conventions throughout the year. Reflecting on her achievement, Callie expressed her gratitude and surprise, stating, "I feel incredibly honoured and honestly quite surprised to have been named Regional Cadet of the Year. The standard of competition was extremely high, and every competitor represented their region with pride." She added, "Over the past four years with St John Ambulance, I've developed confidence and leadership skills that have strengthened my ambition to pursue a career in medicine."
Real-World Applications of First Aid Skills
Callie has already demonstrated her first aid expertise in practical situations. On her way home from school, she assisted an elderly man with a head injury at a bus stop, performing necessary checks and keeping him calm until emergency responders arrived. Additionally, at Sheffield's Chinese New Year event, she helped an unresponsive woman by arranging an ambulance while ensuring the patient's safety and comfort.
Praise from St John Ambulance Leaders
Rear Admiral Simon Williams CB CVO KStJ commended all competitors, saying, "It is inspiring to see such high levels of skill, confidence, and compassion among our young volunteers." Shona Dunn CB echoed this sentiment, noting, "They represent the very best of St John Ambulance and will continue to make a real difference in their communities and beyond."
Role of the National and Regional Cadets of the Year
The National Cadet of the Year, supported by eight Regional Cadets of the Year including Callie, will serve as an ambassador for St John Ambulance over the coming year. Their responsibilities include attending events and royal engagements, promoting youth involvement, and championing first aid and volunteering initiatives across the nation. This year's awards highlight four decades of recognising young volunteers who make significant contributions to communities throughout the UK.
