Yorkshire volunteers receive Diana Awards

Two St John Ambulance volunteers have received Diana Awards in recognition of their outstanding voluntary service.

Over 2000 hours of voluntary work

Lee Howe and Amy Starbuck amassed over 2,000 hours of voluntary work between them for St John Ambulance South and West Yorkshire. They were rewarded for their efforts at a ceremony held on 28 June at Barclays Corporate, Canary Wharf.

Howe was delighted to receive the award:

'It shows that I’m not only recognised in my division for the amount of work I put into it or back into the community but I’m now recognised at county and national level for my achievements within St John Ambulance in such a short period of time,' he said.

Putting back into the community

Howe, a 17-year-old Leading cadet and First aider joined St John Ambulance as a nine-year-old in 2002. His award was for the voluntary work he has performed at concerts and sports fixtures, the first aid instruction he has given to his peers and for his role as an ambassador for training.

'To have received an award with Lady Diana's name attached to it shows that people recognise me because of what I have done for the organisation and what I have put back into the community not because of who I am,' he said.

Recognising young people

Inspired by the good deeds performed by Princess Diana, the award was created by the Diana Memorial Committee in 1999. It recognises young people who are determined to make a difference in their communities.

A total of 75 young people were honoured for service to their communities.

The awards were presented by Schools Minister Nick Gibb, Sue Killen, chief executive of St John Ambulance, and Fred Sharrock, a senior official at the Department for Education.