A DEDICATED St John Ambulance volunteer is backing an appeal for more recruits after serving the charitable organisation for 56 years.
Pitman’s son, John ‘Jackie’ Short, of Ebchester, County Durham, is one of the longest-serving St John Ambulance volunteers in the country and still going strong at 87.
His remarkable service has been recognised with a number of awards and he is now calling for younger people to become volunteers.
“I’d recommend it to anyone. You make friends for life as a St John Ambulance volunteer, and helping people makes you happy,” he said.
Dr Gillian Willmore, chair of the Durham County Priory Group of St John, said: “Jackie is a wonderful example of our volunteers – a man who has given outstanding service.”
Although Jackie is no longer involved in presenting formal training courses in first aid, and has given up public duties, he continues as a “fellowship member”, helping with fundraising, guiding cadets, and “chipping in”.
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