Prime Minister celebrates local teen’s first aid efforts

Tuesday 04 September 2018

The Prime Minister has written to a local teenager to thank him for his efforts in training up thousands of young people across the island in first aid.

The accolade for St John Ambulance cadet Tom Hughes came as he became the 992nd person to receive the Points of Light Award – a special honour to recognise “outstanding” volunteers that help to make a change in their community.

Over recent years, the 17-year-old has worked to integrate first aid training into 90% of Jersey schools.

It all began when he shared his acquired skills in a special lesson to his GCSE PE class colleagues, but that ended up being extended to 3,000 primary and secondary school students when Tom was inspired by the positive feedback he received. 

Pictured: Tom with some of his first aid tutees.

He previously secured a prestigious Diana Award for doing so and the Sovereign Award, which is the premier achievement for young people within the Order of St John worldwide, and today adds a commendation from Prime Minister Theresa May to his growing list of successes.

In a personal letter to him, she wrote: “You should feel very proud of sharing the first aid skills you learned while volunteering with St John Ambulance with so many young people across Jersey.

"The work you have done training others has the potential to save lives and I wish you every success as you continue to pass on this vital knowledge.” 

Pictured: Tom's letter from the Prime Minister and his Points of Light certificate.

Speaking after receiving the Points of Light Award, Tom said: "I have been in St John Ambulance since the age of eight and if you'd of told me nine years ago that I would have had the opportunities that I have had and that I would be recognised by the Prime Minister - I can assure you that I wouldn't have believed you.

"I am honoured and very proud to be the 992nd recipient of the Points of Light Award."