Celebrating 40 years of the National Cadet of the Year competition

In 2026 St John Ambulance celebrates the 40th anniversary of its National Cadet of the Year competition, recognising four decades of young people who have demonstrated exceptional commitment to learning lifesaving skills and serving their communities.

The milestone was marked at a special event on Friday 10th April, attended by HRH The Princess Royal, St John Ambulance’s Commandant-in-Chief (Youth). The very first National Cadet of the Year from 1987, Simon Stockill, was also welcomed, alongside several holders of the title from across the four decades of the competition, up to the present day.

Since the award was established, many former National and Regional Cadets of the Year, including Simon, have gone on to careers in healthcare, medicine and the emergency services. Others have taken the confidence, discipline and sense of social responsibility developed through their time as Cadets into a wide range of professions.

That journey often begins through St John Ambulance’s Badgers and Cadets programmes, where young people from the age of five learn first aid, build resilience and develop a practical understanding of helping others.

Readers interested in youth opportunities with St John Ambulance – whether that is for their children or as a potential Youth Leader or Helper – can find out more at https://www.sja.org.uk/get-involved/young-people/

Photo caption: (L-R): 2026 National Cadet of the Year, Emily England; HRH The Princess Royal; 2025 National Cadet of the Year, Dylan Hurst; St John Ambulance Chairman and Prior, Rear Admiral Simon Williams, CB CVO KStJ (Brian Aldrich)