A DEESIDE teenager has been named St John Ambulance Cymru's Young Adult of the Year as part of the organisation celebrating100 years since the first Welsh cadet unit was established.

Joshua Taylor, 19, was Cadet of the Year 2022, and was nominated for his contribution to his county during his term of office.

He joins Daniel Summerfield, nine, from Powys, chosen as the Badger of the Year and Mali Stevenson, 16, from Mid-Glamorgan, Cadet of the Year.

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The winners, having won regional competitions, were invited to compete in the grand final in Llandrindod Wells, where they were assessed by interview, a public speaking event, a first aid element - which tested decision-making, problem solving, communication and keeping calm under pressure - and finally a group task which evaluated team working and leadership skills.

Joshua said: “I'm really excited for the year ahead, and seeing what exciting opportunities that'll be offered, and see what opportunities I can provide to children and young people across the organisation.

"I was really pleased to have been awarded National Young Adult of the Year, it feels like a great way to naturally progress my experiences and skills after being the National Cadet if the Year.”

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The Badger, Cadet and Young Adult of the Year award are open to St John Ambulance Cymru young volunteers between the ages of five and 25 who compete against each other to be in with a chance of winning the national competition.

Winners go on to become Youth Ambassadors and the voice for the charity's future lifesavers attending prestigious events across Wales and representing the current experiences and issues facing children and young people today. For the first time this year’s winners will sit on Llais, the new St John Ambulance Cymru committee for children and young people.

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The new committee aims to redress imbalance in the organisation by giving a platform to children and young people from underrepresented groups such as LGBTQ+ community, Welsh speakers, disabled, rural communities, young carers and Black, Asian and minority ethnic groups.

Andy Jones, interim CEO of St John Ambulance Cymru said: “I’m incredibly proud of everyone who competed in this year’s National Youth Competitions.

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"All should feel very proud of themselves, individual role models with a strong vision, some unique ideas, the feedback from the internal and external assessors was mightily impressive, further demonstrating the dedication and selfless generosity our young people so readily offer in supporting communities across Wales.

"Thank you to everyone who gave their time to compete and huge congratulations to Joshua, Mali and Daniel.”

For more information about our Children and Young People programmes across Wales pleases visit our website