At only 15, he had already carried out over 500 hours of volunteer work with St. John Ambulance since joining at the age of eight in 2009. He was praised for introducing first aid into the curriculum in primary schools. 

Last year, he applied for the Sovereign’s Award, the premier achievement for young people within the Order of St John worldwide and the only award to bear the signature of the Sovereign Head of the Order.

The award includes a certificate personally signed by the Sovereign Head of the Order, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. The award is issued to young St. John Ambulance volunteers in recognition of outstanding work in the areas of personal development, benefit to St John Ambulance and benefit to their local community – it is one of the hardest achievements to gain within St John Ambulance.

Up to ten awards are issued each year internationally for people aged 16 to 25.

Pictured: Tom Hughes receiving his Diana Award with Tessy Ojo, CEO of the Diana Awards.

Candidates have to submit an application which has to be as interesting as possible and be creative about the medium they use to present their case. Above all, they must demonstrate how St. John Ambulance, their community and themselves have benefited from their actions.

Tom, who will soon be hosting the Princess Diana Memorial Awards in London, will receive his Award in London later this year. He said: "I am thrilled, privileged and honoured to be receiving my Sovereign's Award, I have been working towards this award since June last year, and to finally hear that The Queen and The Duke of Gloucester approved the award was a fantastic feeling. 

"This is something that I personally wanted to achieve, I had not been nominated for it, and I had to really work for it. I am privileged to be in the select few people who have received this honour because this is something I had to earn it - it a little bit more special.

"Also, to receive an award from The Queen is something I never thought would happen and I am very grateful that Her Majesty and Prince Richard gave their approval for this award to be issued. I am looking forward to collecting it in London at the end of the year."