St John members get international praise

Tuesday 02 June 2020

Two members of St John Ambulance Guernsey have been recognised internationally for their efforts.

Chief Operating Officer Nikki Harrison and long serving volunteer Paul Kennedy have been appointed as Officers of the Order of St John for their commitment to the organisation.

Ms Harrison joined the charity in June 2015 and was promoted in July 2018 to her current role, in which she oversees all aspects of work at St John in Guernsey.

“I am truly honoured to be admitted into the Order of St John," she said. "I am proud to lead an organisation that is committed to improving the lives of everyone in our community. I am very lucky to have a job I love and to be surrounded by a great team of staff and volunteers.

"It also gives me a chance to thank all of our volunteers, because they are the people who make St John the success that it is, which is why I am delighted that Paul has also been appointed as a Member of the Order of St John.”

Pictured: Nikki Harrison.

Mr Kennedy has been volunteering with St John Ambulance for 30 years. During that time he has carried out a variety of different roles for the organisation, including event first aider, member of the Ambulance Reserves and volunteer patient transfer driver. He also looks after the fleet of vehicles.

“I feel very proud and privileged to be nominated to be admitted to the Order of St John, and even more so because my admission to the Order was sanctioned by Her Majesty the Queen," he commented.

"I would like to thank my wife, Pat for putting up with my St John life and fellow volunteers over the years without whom I could not have achieved this honour.”

The investitures were approved by Her Majesty the Queen, as Sovereign Head of the Order of St John, and Ms Harrison attended an investiture service at the Priory Church of St John in London on 12 March.

“I would like to congratulate Nikki and Paul on being admitted to the Order of St John," added Knight Commander of St John Guernsey, Andrew Henton.

"Nikki has devoted herself to leading the reorganisation and modernisation of St John in Guernsey.

"Paul has been a dedicated servant of St John for many years. He has given countless hours as a volunteer and it is fitting that his long association with St John is recognised in this way.”

Pictured: St John Ambulance.

An individual can be admitted to the Order in recognition of their achievement, notable or selfless service, or inspiration and encouragement to others.

There are five grades of membership; Member, Officer, Commander, Knight/Dame and Bailiff/Dame Grand Cross.

"We are very lucky to have people like Nikki and Paul in St John Ambulance Guernsey," said Chairman, Stuart Place. 

"Nikki is leading the charity into a new era of development.

"Paul is an example of someone who often goes above and beyond what is expected of a volunteer. The efforts of our volunteers like Paul enable us to serve our community to best effect.”

Pictured top: Paul Kennedy and Nikki Harrison at a previous event, where Mr Kennedy was presented with an award for his service.