Gardener’s bequest is life-saver for charity

St John Ambulance is giving free first aid tuition to students in years five, eight and 10 through its young first aider programme during this academic year.

The initiative is being funded by a generous legacy from local market gardener Arthur Smith and schools have until the end of the month to take advantage of the offer.

MrSmith, ofBretforton, near Evesham, died in September 2011 leaving a million pounds to be shared between 10 charities, including St John Ambulance. The charity is using the bequest of more than £110,000 to fund free community and school courses.

So far, 14 schools in the Evesham area have taken up the free offer in the last school year, meaning 330 young people have been trained in the skills they may need to save a life.

Pupils from Cropthornewith-Charlton School have already done their free training and teacher Sharon Hunt welcomed the initiative.

She said: “Parents commented that this was very valuable training as we have a park in the village and they felt it equipped the children with the skills to deal with an emergency if it arose.”

Jo Huck, regional schools training co-ordinator for St John Ambulance in the West Midlands, said: “Seven out of 10 pupils wouldn’t know what to do if someone they knew was hurt and yet the majority say they would like to learn life saving skills.

“By offering free training through our young first aider course, we are introducing important life skills at a young age and equipping the next generation of first aiders with the knowledge they need to be the difference.

“It also gives them confidence and helps with other skills such as communication and team work.”

There are also places still available on a free Essential First Aid course to be held at Wallace House Community Centre in Oat Street, Evesham, on Monday, September 23, from 6.30pm to 9.30pm.

To book free schools training or a place on the community course, call 0121 237 3879, e-mail west-mids-training@ sja.org.uk or visit sja.org.uk.