Heckington Student Triumphs as St John Ambulance Regional Cadet of the Year for East Midlands
A talented student from Heckington has achieved a prestigious honour, being named St John Ambulance's Regional Cadet of the Year for the East Midlands. This recognition follows a rigorous national competition that rigorously evaluated her exceptional first aid knowledge, leadership capabilities, and communication skills.
National Competition Celebrates 40th Anniversary
Seventeen-year-old Martha Davies was selected to represent the East Midlands region after emerging victorious from a pool of over 35 of St John Ambulance's most outstanding cadets from across the United Kingdom. Each of these cadets had previously won county-level competitions to secure their place at the national final. The competition, which marks its 40th anniversary this year, was held from February 27 to March 1 at Ingestre Hall near Stafford. It brought together young volunteers from across the nation for a weekend of challenging assessments designed to test their first aid proficiency, leadership qualities, and dedication to volunteering.
During the event, cadets participated in a series of exercises including first aid scenarios, teamwork and problem-solving tasks, presentations, interviews, and group discussions. All activities were assessed by an experienced panel of judges, with many challenges based on real-life situations that cadets might encounter while volunteering in their local communities.
Martha Davies: A Profile of Achievement
Martha is currently pursuing a BA (Hons) in Arts and Humanities at The Open University and volunteers at the Sleaford St John Ambulance cadet unit. Beyond her academic pursuits, she enjoys walking and swimming, and she regularly teaches art and textiles workshops within her local community. Her qualifications include a BTEC Level 2 in Teamwork and Personal Development and an ILM Level 3 qualification from the Cadets Vocational College.
Martha has received widespread recognition for her accomplishments, including being a Westminster Award finalist in 2025, winning the Lincs and Notts 'Unity' Award in 2025, being named St John Ambulance Lincs and Notts Cadet of the Year for 2025–2026, and serving as an Alumni youth board member of the National Saturday Club from 2024 to 2026.
Real-Life First Aid Application
Many competitors in the competition have already applied their first aid skills in real emergencies, assisting with conditions such as cardiac arrest, seizures, fractures, heat-related problems, and major bleeds. Martha herself used her training in a serious incident in 2024 when a family member fell and suffered a severe arm fracture during a day out. Although not her first time using first aid outside of St John Ambulance, she described this as the most critical situation she had faced.
Her primary role was to maintain control by keeping the individual calm, applying a sling to immobilise the arm, and monitoring their condition. The fracture was serious, ultimately requiring surgery to reconnect the shattered bone. Hospital staff noted that if the arm had not been kept still and the patient kept calm, surgical restoration would have been significantly more difficult. Thanks to the training and confidence gained through St John Ambulance, Martha remained composed, managed the situation effectively, and ensured the individual received timely hospital care to regain arm function.
Reflections and Future Ambitions
Reflecting on her achievement, Martha said: "I feel honoured to have been selected and am looking forward to representing the amazing young people within the East Midlands who give so much to St John Ambulance. I have been a cadet for seven years and it has helped me grow not only as a volunteer, but as a person - equipping me with first aid skills that save lives, teaching me vital leadership skills, building my confidence, and finding lifelong friends."
She added: "Over the coming year, I will be working closely with the other seven Regional Cadets of the Year, and our National Cadet of the Year, Emily. Together, we will be the voice of young people in St John Ambulance. Within the East Midlands I will be shining a spotlight on the young people who give so much to the charity and working with them to equip them with the skills to lead St John Ambulance into the future."
Leadership Praise
Rear Admiral Simon Williams CB CVO KStJ, Prior of the Priory of England and the Islands of the Order of St John, commented: "I am immensely proud of every cadet who took part in this year’s National Cadet of the Year competition. As we mark the 40th anniversary of this award, it is inspiring to see such high levels of skill, confidence and compassion among our young volunteers."
Shona Dunn CB, Chief Executive of St John Ambulance, added: "The cadets demonstrated not only outstanding first aid ability, but also leadership, teamwork and a genuine commitment to helping others. They represent the very best of St John Ambulance, and I have no doubt they will continue to make a real difference in their communities and beyond."
The National Cadet of the Year, supported by a team of eight Regional Cadets of the Year, will serve as an ambassador for St John Ambulance over the coming year. This role involves representing young volunteers at events and royal engagements, supporting youth involvement across the organisation, and championing the importance of first aid and volunteering in communities nationwide.
