St John Guernsey LBG has got a new ambulance – thanks to donations from BOW Trustees and the Rotary Club of Guernsey.
The charity had identified the need for a replacement vehicle two years ago, with concerns over the age and condition of one of its vehicles.
CEO Heather Langlois said the high cost of operating medical vehicles makes this donation vital for treating people safely and comfortably.
“Operating a fleet of vehicles as a charity is expensive, but operating a fleet of vehicles that are used to treat people in need comes at an even greater cost,” she said.
“From providing cover at Liberation Day events and school fetes, to being on the beach at Autocross or supporting a local marathon, our vehicles are used as mobile first aid posts where we can treat people safely and comfortably making them a vital part of the service we provide.
“We are extremely grateful to BOW Trustees and the Rotary Club of Guernsey for their financial support in the purchase of this vehicle. Without them, this would not have been possible.”
To acknowledge the support of both the Rotary Club of Guernsey and BOW Trustees, St John Guernsey LBG has added each organisation’s logo to the new ambulance’s livery ensuring that the support given by both organisations is acknowledged and appreciated for years to come.
“We are delighted to support a charity that makes such a difference in Guernsey,” said Sam Orchard of BOW Trustees. “We hope that our sponsorship of this vehicle will allow St. John Guernsey LBG to carry on their valuable and dedicated work for the benefit of the entire community.”
Brian Acton of the Rotary Club of Guernsey added: “In further recognition of our Club’s recent Centenary commemorations we are delighted to have been able to provide support for the essential services that St John provide, and we are sure that this new vehicle will prove to be invaluable within the community that we serve.”
St John Guernsey LBG has also received a large donation from Utmost Guernsey.
Staff from the firm raised £25,000 for the charity between 2024 and 2026.
According to the company, the funds were generated through various initiatives including meat draws, raffles, bake sales, quiz nights, and bingo events.
Beyond financial contributions, Utmost staff also volunteered as first aid support at major island events like Sea Front Sunday and Guernsey Together.
The partnership was so successful that it resulted in three employees – Scarlett Plampton, Oto Idem, and Amanda Benwell – being formally trained as Event First Aiders.
Ms Benwell also completed an Emergency Responder Course early this year.
Leon Steyn, the CEO of Utmost Guernsey, said this all reflects the company’s collaborative and community-focused ethos.
“We are immensely proud of all our colleagues who supported, encouraged and got involved with St John Guernsey LBG as well as those who have joined the St John First Aider team and continue to strengthen the strong relationship built over the last two years.
“This achievement truly reflects the collaborative and community focused ethos of Utmost Guernsey.”
Ms Langlois added: “On behalf of St John Guernsey, I thank everyone at Utmost for their support over the last two years.
“An incredible amount of money has been raised along with a number of wonderful friendships formed along the way, both of which we can’t be more grateful for and helps us to continue our mission in delivering first aid treatment, education and training to our community.”