The Ynys Môn unit will replace the former Holyhead division and aims to recruit more volunteers from the island and RAF community
ST JOHN AMBULANCE CYMRU has officially opened a new division on Ynys Môn, based at the Rimon Than Healthcare Facility at RAF Valley.
The new Ynys Môn Division replaces the charity’s former Holyhead Division and marks what organisers described as a new chapter for its work on the island.
Representatives from St John Ambulance Cymru, RAF Valley and Isle of Anglesey County Council attended a special opening ceremony.
Guests included council chairman Cllr Dafydd Rhys Thomas, Cllr Gwilym Jones and St John Ambulance Cymru volunteers from across North Wales.
Speakers included the charity’s chief executive Richard Lee, North Wales Commissioner Craig Jones, Divisional Manager Simon Roberts, volunteer Eric Goulden and Flt Sgt Sam Dempster, who runs RAF Valley’s medical centre.
Mr Lee said: “We are delighted to renew our commitment to the communities of Ynys Môn by establishing this new division in partnership with RAF Valley.
“As well as making it easier for St John to recruit RAF personnel, we are confident this collaboration will encourage more people to see what both St John and the RAF can offer in terms of training, experience and camaraderie.”
Mr Roberts said St John Ambulance Cymru had a long history on the island and hoped the new division would help it expand its presence.
He paid tribute to long-serving volunteers Vaughan and Iris, who each gave more than half a century of service to the charity before their deaths.
Mr Roberts added: “A huge thank you to Flt Sgt Sam Dempster for helping us make this possible, and for all the support from RAF Valley that has enabled us to begin this exciting new chapter for St John on Ynys Môn.
“We are also grateful to Tesco community champion Annetta Davey for providing refreshments for the opening event.”
The ceremony also saw volunteer Eric Goulden receive a Priory Vote of Thanks from the Priory for Wales.
The award recognised his role in helping to save the life of a member of the public who suffered a cardiac arrest at an event earlier this year.
Alongside volunteering as a first aider and blue-light driver, Mr Goulden has raised more than £85,000 through sponsored challenges.
His fundraising efforts have included long-distance walks around the perimeter of Wales and along the Great Wall of China.
The Ynys Môn Division meets every Tuesday from 7pm until 9pm.
Anyone interested in learning first aid, supporting events or volunteering with the division can contact Divisional Manager Simon Roberts at [email protected].
Further information is available through the St John Ambulance Cymru website.
Picture caption: St John Ambulance Cymru volunteers from across North Wales were joined by RAF representatives and local dignitaries for the official opening of the charity’s new Ynys Môn Division at RAF Valley. Picture: Phil Hen
