Landmark achievement for young first aider

Sunday 09 February 2020

A 15-year-old local lifesaver has become the first young person to have held two prestigious titles with Jersey’s oldest first aid charity.

Recently dubbed ‘Cadet of the Year 2020’, Adam Gavey, who has been with St. John Ambulance for 10 years, has now become the first young person to hold this title, as well as ‘Badger of the Year’.

He is one of four young people to have had his communication and leadership skills recognised by St. John Ambulance in 2020.

Jason Da Costa, Jessica Ellis, and Lacey Thompson also had their achievements celebrated after representing the island on the national stage, taking part in activities that put their abilities to the test in pressurised scenarios.

Pictured: The group of four achieved their titles from St. John Ambulance following many challenges.

To achieve his title, Adam had to take part in several activities, including a first aid scenario, a media task, as well as an interview and presentation.

As a Badger, Adam represented Jersey at local, inter-insular and national first aid competitions, where his team placed third.

Continuing with his competitive character in the Cadets, he went on to compete in first aid competitions and recently completed his Bronze Duke of Edinburgh award.

Adam also became a Grand Prior Cadet in 2019 after completing 24 subjects while attending weekly unit nights, and has now transferred to the 14 – 18 aged Midvale Youth Unit. He will soon be proudly representing Jersey at the National Cadet of the Year competition on the 21st to the 23rd February 2020 in the UK.

Jason da Costa will be supporting Adam as newly appointed Deputy Cadet of the Year. Jason is a member of the St. Martin Cadet Unit and an active member of St. John Ambulance.

He has completed several subjects towards his Grand Prior award including cadet leader one training which, will assist him in his role.

The winner of Badger of the Year was nine-year-old Jessica Ellis.

Like Adam, she joined St. John Ambulance aged just five.

Pictured: Jessica Ellis, Badger of the Year 2020.

She is also a member of the Mountbatten Badgers. To become Badger of the Year, Jessica had to complete a group challenge, take part in an interview and prepare a presentation on her favourite Badger subject, which requires a lot of bravery.

Jessica is now working towards her Super Badger Award, which she will complete this year. Jessica enjoys taking part in first aid competitions and has competed in several, she will be tasked with representing the Badgers at several events during 2020. 

Meanwhile, Lacey Thompson became Deputy Badger of the Year.

She is also nine and a member of La Moye Badgers, and will be supporting Jessica in her role.