Mrs Davey's dedicated decades

Jean Davey, 71, of Brighton Road, Lancing, was invested as a member of the order of St John at a special ceremony in London last week.

She was presented with an insignia by Sir Brian Jenkins, of the Priory of England and the Islands '“ an award approved by the Queen.

Mrs Davey said: "I was very nervous to begin with, but I enjoyed it. It went well. The people were welcoming and appreciative about the work."

After joining the service as a cadet in 1946, Mrs Davey worked as a divisional officer and superintendent of her division, as well as working at the Sussex headquarters and with the Lancing and Sompting Quad unit. She was also given the opportunity to meet Princess Margaret.

Mrs Davey said: "St John Ambulance has given me lots of opportunities to do things that I would have never done otherwise. I am grateful for that and wanted to put something back."

She now works as a non-uniformed support officer, and supports the Lancing and Sompting neighbourhood first responder team.

Mrs Davey explained that the service has moved with the times, and now offers lots of different ways in for people wanting to lend their support.

"Especially nowadays there are lots of avenues. It is not just first aid now. There are a lot people who want to help but don't want to wear a uniform. They can now be a non-uniformed support person and do things in the background."

For more information on the work of St John Ambulance Sussex, call 01903 235599, or visit the website at www.sja.org.uk/sussex.