Two high-achieving Cadets from St John Ambulance will be representing the Isle of Man at a gathering at Buckingham Palace on 30th March. Keiran Stewart, 16, a member of Douglas Ambulance Cadets, and Breeshey Cowin, 15, who belongs to Douglas Nursing Cadets, will meet the Princess Royal at the annual gathering of Cadets who have achieved their Grand Prior Award. The award is the highest a Cadet can earn and means three years’ hard work studying the 24 disciplines involved. It is the only badge that can be carried forward to full adult membership of St John Ambulance. Five local Cadets achieved the award this year and counties are invited to send two to the Palace, so names had to be drawn from a hat. Keiran, of Anagh Coar, was thrilled his name came out. He will be following in the footsteps of his mum, Jenni Moore, who attended the Palace reception herself as a Cadet back in 1991. Jenni is now unit leader of Douglas Ambulance Cadets. Keiran, a former St Ninian’s High School student, has been involved with St John Ambulance for 11 years. He said: ‘I feel very honoured to be going to the Palace like my mum did 20 years ago.’ He added: ‘I would recommend any young person to get involved in St John Ambulance as we learn all sorts of skills, including firefighting. The skills you learn at Cadets assist towards finding a job as well.’ Breeshey, of Douglas, who joined the Badgers (the youngest section of St John Ambulance) when she was six, is excited at the prospect of the trip to the Palace. The Ballakermeen High School student said: ‘St John Ambulance is a big part of my life and I would recommend young people to get involved with the organisation because you are able to meet new people and learn new skills. Although first aid is the main topic, I’ve also enjoyed learning sign language and radio communications and I’m looking forward to going on first aid duty more frequently, in particular for motorsports.’ St John Ambulance is a family affair for Breeshey, too. Her mum Adrienne runs Onchan Badgers while dad Adrian helps out at meetings. Cadets are aged 10 to 17 and the emphasis for them is on fun, adventure and community. See http://www.sja.org.uk/sja/young-people/cadets.aspx Many local Cadets go on to be full adult members of the Island’s leading first aid charity and provide vital cover at events ranging from the TT and MGP to Tynwald Day, agricultural shows and community events. Cadets and Badgers meet in six locations: Douglas, Onchan, Laxey, Ramsey, Peel and Rushen. For further information, contact Lynda Osborne, County Executive Officer, on 01624 674387. The Princess Royal is the Commandant in Chief (Youth) of St John Ambulance. ENDS