People from across Wales were recently rewarded for their dedication and hard work on behalf of St John Ambulance Cymru at the charity’s annual Investiture Service at Llandaff Cathedral.

The charity’s volunteers and staff received a range of awards and recognition, including being invested into the prestigious Order of St John, with appointments and promotions to the working Order of Chivalry of the British Crown approved by His Majesty the King.

30 St John People were nominated to join, or be promoted within, the Priory for Wales for demonstrating values of devotion, togetherness, faithfulness, diversity and inclusiveness, while 21 individuals received long service awards for periods ranging from 10 to 20 years.

Ten St John Ambulance Cymru Cadets received their Grand Prior Awards, following the completion of 24 subjects over three years, while there were three Super Badger Award recipients for the charity’s youngest age group (5-11), having completed 12 subjects over the same period.

Paul Griffiths OBE KStJ JP DL, the Prior for Wales, said:

It was a particularly momentous occasion for Samantha Benson, who was admitted to the Order as Member in recognition of her over two decades of service, having fulfilled the role of Powys’ Deputy County Children and Young People Manager since 2022.

Samantha was also presented with a Certificate of Commendation alongside fellow Powys volunteer Huw Howells, with both being recognised for their actions in response to an incident which occurred on the A470 in the lead up to the 2024 Royal Welsh Show.

There was further recognition for the Benson family with Samantha’s daughter Caitlyn one of the charity’s Cadets receiving a Grand Prior Award.

It was also a significant date for Professor Kevin Davies MBE RRC TD DL, who was promoted to Knight of Grace in recognition of his outstanding contribution to Order of St John both nationally and internationally.

Prof Davies is Emeritus Professor of Nursing and Disaster Healthcare at the University of South Wales, formerly Vice Chair and Non-Executive Director of the Welsh Ambulance Service University NHS Trust and spent six years as Independent Trustee of St John Ambulance Cymru completing his tenure in June 2023.

Most recently, he led the delivery of the international St John Grand Council meeting held in Cardiff in 2024, a role that required considerable time and careful planning to ensure the week of events was delivered successfully.

A Priory Vote of Thanks was presented to Cwmbran Total Construction in recognition of the company’s work to refurbish St John Ambulance Cymru’s Priory House headquarters in Cardiff, having overcome several unforeseen issues including a flood to complete the work in 2024.

Admissions and Promotions to the Priory for Wales of the Order of St John

Promotion to Knight of Grace

Prof Kevin Davies MBE, RRC, TD, DL  Headquarters
Professor Kevin Davies has and continues to make an outstanding contribution to the work of the Order both nationally and internationally. He completed a full term as Trustee from 2017 to 2023, chairing the Audit, Risk and Governance Committee during that time. In 2024 Kevin led on the planning and delivery of the international Grand Council meeting held in Cardiff, a role that required considerable time and high levels of skill in planning and logistical deftness.

Promotion to Officer

Eve Chapper – Cardiff & the Vale
Mrs Chapper has been a stalwart of the Cardiff and Vale Team for thirty years; being Divisional Officer in Charge and Cadet Officer at Llanedeyrn Division. She is a strong advocate for Youth, actively contributing to the development of the Youth agenda within the Order. She is also an experienced and trusted trainer and one of the most enthusiastic and conscientious members in the county.

Nicholas Hoyal – Gwent
A member of the Gwent St John Council since 2014, Mr Hoyal has been instrumental in various leadership, fundraising and support initiatives. His background in the Gwent Army Cadets has shaped his efforts to raise funds to develop and support young members via the St John Gwent Division Training Day, an initiative aimed at boosting morale and volunteer engagement. He has recently been appointed Treasurer of the Council.

Nigel Morgan – Mid Glamorgan
Mr Morgan began his St John journey in 2017 in the Cardiff & Vale County, being appointed as County Training Officer the same year. In 2021he played a leading role in the national training review and in 2022 was appointed to his current role of Deputy Commissioner for Mid Glamorgan, where he instills and maintains the highest standards of delivery. He continues to train and assess trainers and acts as mentor to many DOICs.

lain Riley – Gwent
Since joining Gwent St John Council in 2015, lain Riley has made distinguished contributions that consistently exceed expectations. In 2024, he was appointed as the Council’s Chair, further exemplifying his leadership and commitment to the organisation. His ability to secure funding and form strategic partnerships has strengthened St John’s infrastructure in Gwent, ensuring better care and outreach and enhancing the volunteers’ experience.

Jane Van-Tiel – Mid Glamorgan
Ms Van-Tiel has been a volunteer for twenty years and in that time has become one of the most reliable and highly respected individuals in the organisation. She has experience of most areas of St John and in 2023 was appointed as County Commissioner for Mid Glamorgan, a role in which she has shown great leadership. She has also been a member of the Priory’s Ceremonial Team since 2017.

Matthew Vaughan – Powys
Mr Vaughan joined the Caersws Division in 2010. From his involvement with St John, he decided to train as a paramedic, qualifying in 2021. He has risen through the ranks, becoming a trainer in 2016 and Member in Charge of Caersws in 2018. His current role is Deputy County Training Manager. Matthew has a ‘can do’ attitude and prides himself in keeping the highest standards. He is an inspirational leader and mentor to many.

Admission as Officer

Rev Prof Hugh Houghton – Headquarters
Reverend Professor Houghton, an accomplished musical performer and composer, unselfishly gave his professional time and expertise to compose the musical score for the first ever Anthem of the Order of St John. As well as a full organ score, he wrote a four-part harmony choral setting. This enduring legacy to the international St John family will help to build a spiritual home for future generations.

Dr Luke Houghton – Headquarters
Collaborating with his brother Hugh, Dr Houghton provided St John with his expertise to write the first Anthem of the Order of St John in poetic Latin, centred on the motto “Pro Fide, Pro Utilitate Hominum’ – ‘For The Faith and in the Service of Humanity’. Taking the themes and outline for each verse, he painstakingly set it as a poem that beautifully captures the work and values of the Order.

Admission as Member

Meredith Austin-Bruce – Cardiff & the Vale
Mrs Austin-Bruce is a member of the Roath Division, having transferred from SJA England. She made an immediate impact where her ability to engage, support and encourage others is demonstrated and has had a positive impact on duties. Meredith was also an integral part of the small team organising the Grand Council Meeting last year, where her organisational skills and drive to achieve the highest standards came to the fore.

Samantha Benson – Powys
Ms Benson is a committed and talented volunteer who has given over two decades of service to St John. She is a true ‘all-rounder’ showing passion and experience in operations, children and young people (CYP) and community courses. In 2022 she was appointed Deputy County CYP Manager providing excellent leadership to the team. She is a role model to others and regularly volunteers over 400 hours per year.

Louise Bowen – West Glamorgan
Miss Bowen has been a dedicated member for thirty years and was appointed the Divisional Nursing Officer at Loughor Division in 2005. She can be found at a variety of duties such as local school fetes; the Gerallt Davies Help Point and the Principality Stadium. Her role as an NHS matron is put to full use in West Glamorgan’s Clinical Division and she is described as a shining example of what a volunteer should be.

Jessica Bogunovic – Mid Glamorgan
Miss Bogunovic joined St John at the age of ten at the Aberdare Division, where she is now an active and highly respected member. Since becoming the Division’s Cadet Officer in 2021 she has shown great commitment and dedication. She has grown the youth numbers by introducing new opportunities such as the Duke of Edinburgh and Amalfi awards, and has formed links with the Scouts, Guides and Police Youth volunteers.

Celyn Mai Clement – West Glamorgan
Miss Clement is a highly respected, enthusiastic and committed member. She has excelled throughout her St John journey achieving many accolades. A fluent Welsh speaker, she has translated courses and campaigns into Welsh and regularly appears on Welsh language television programmes. She has developed her skills and is now a SJAC Workplace Trainer. She is a huge asset to her county, and to the organisation.

David High – North Wales
Mr High has made a huge impact since joining the organisation in 2021 as part of the Covid-19 Vaccination Volunteer Scheme. He quickly became a popular member of the Rhyl Division, gaining experience and skills by taking on several key roles in North Wales, including his current role of County Operations Manager. He dedicates a huge number of hours to St John, completing a staggering 3,000 hours in the last two years.

Susan Hopkins – Cardiff & the Vale
Mrs Hopkins joined the Roath Park Division in 2019, establishing herself as a trusted and admired colleague. She attends many of the Cardiff duties, often at short notice. English-born Sue has shown diligence in learning the Welsh language and enjoys supporting the National and Urdd Eisteddfod. She is keen to teach the community about first aid, participating in Save a Life September and giving demonstrations to local groups.

Dafydd Howells – West Glamorgan
Mr Howells joined St John in 2018 following an esteemed teaching career. He took on substantial responsibility soon after, when he was appointed County Training Manager. Last year he became Acting County Commissioner and has immersed himself in all aspects of St John, completing 1900 hours in 2024 alone. He has been an advocate for improving volunteers’ experience and recognising their achievements.

Jo-anne Howells – Mid Glamorgan
Since joining in 2007, Mrs Howells has become a vibrant and active member. She began as a Cadet Helper, later becoming the leader of the divisional cadet group. Becoming a trainer in 2015 has helped Jo-anne engage with the local community where she teaches the public the vital skills needed to save a life. In 2023 she took over the running of the county’s Induction Unit, where she has streamlined the process of training new recruits.

Carol Jones – Headquarters
Mrs Jones is a high-performance Finance Director with an outstanding track record in financial and business management. She became a Trustee of the charity in 2024 at a time of financial challenge. She is Chair of the Finance and Resource Committee and sits on the Audit, Governance and Risk Committee. Her style and approach are commendable and her values of openness, diplomacy and humanity shine through.

Shaun Lewis – Mid Glamorgan
During his eighteen years with St John, Mr Lewis has shown a real dedication to the organisation, demonstrating many of our core values. He has worked with the youth members of Bedlinog Division, providing them with a varied and inclusive programme of activities He selflessly and successfully arranged a memorial service for a Bedlinog colleague and is a keen participant in fundraising work, and encourages others to get involved.

Jamie Line – Dyfed
Mr Line has been an exemplary member since joining the Cardigan Division in 2016. He has made a lasting impression in his current roles of Divisional Member in Charge and County Logistics Co-ordinator. In this latter role he can be relied upon to provide well-maintained equipment in a timely manner, and he also undertakes inspections and PAT testing at no charge, saving the charity hundreds of pounds each year.

Dr Christopher Martin OBE, DL – Dyfed
Dr Martin has been a driving force behind the creation and establishment of the newly formed Dyfed St John Council. He has secured partnership funding which has significantly contributed to our green energy initiative and was instrumental in acquiring funding for two defibrillators for the county. He brings to St John the highest standards of leadership, administration and personal conduct and represents the charity with distinction.

Gwion Morgan – Dyfed
Mr Morgan joined St John initially as a Cadet in 2012 and went on to qualify as a paramedic. In 2022 he was appointed County Deputy Operations Manager, a role in which he excelled. He also increased his involvement with the clinical team and now averages over 600 hours of duties per year. He is actively involved in national steering groups providing sound advice and was recently appointed as National Paramedicine Adviser.

Hadley Newman – Headquarters
A senior strategic communications leader and British Army Officer (Reserve), Mr Newman, serves as an independent member of the Fundraising and Engagement Committee. His philanthropic dedication to our Priory and sustained generosity has directly supported the maintenance of our Investiture Service here at Llandaff Cathedral. As an individual, he is one of the most generous donors to the charity.

Patrick Ng – Mid Glamorgan
Mr Ng began his St John journey forty years ago in Hong Kong, transferring to Wales in 2008. He is a dedicated member who is keen to support all activities, whether they be first aid duties, fundraising or public relations events. Using his financial background Patrick undertook the County Treasurer role for many years. He always conducts himself in a professional manner, demonstrating and promoting the values of the Order.

Dr Marc Penny – Headquarters
Dr Penny joined the organisation two years ago as a member of the People Committee, supporting the organisation’s Human Resource function. In 2024 he became a Trustee of the Board, which takes on all legal and ethical leadership direction of the charity. He brings to St John a strong ethical background and over 25 years of expertise in governance, strategy development and people and organisational development change.

Joanne Rogers – Dyfed
Mrs Rogers has been a dedicated volunteer since joining the organisation in 2018. In her role as County Deputy Operations Manager, Jo has shown excellence in how she manages logistics for major events and partnership working with the National Fleet Co-ordinator. Her personal qualities make her a standout volunteer; she does everything with passion and integrity and consistently sets a good example to others.

Holly Seabrook – Mid Glamorgan
Miss Seabrook has volunteered with the Maesteg Division for sixteen years. In 2018 she took over the leadership of the division’s cadet unit and is determined to give her cadets as many opportunities and experiences as possible, in order for them to grow and achieve their full potential. Under her leadership the unit has grown and thrived. She is a competent trainer and has been described as “engaging, encouraging and patient”.

Rachel Stafford – Dyfed
Miss Stafford joined the Aberystwyth University LINKS Division in 2017 where she worked tirelessly to revitalise the division by providing training and mentorship to members. Despite the demands of studying for a medical degree Rachel took on the role of Deputy County Training Manager where she has further broadened her influence and impact. She has also played a key role in developing a county-wide CPD programme.

Susan Ward – Dyfed
Mrs Ward has been a member of St John since 2022 and has made a huge contribution to community training, school engagement and outreach programmes in that time. She has trained hundreds of people in basic life support and the use of AEDs, resulting in community groups making donations in recognition of her impactful work. She received the ‘Highly Commended Volunteer of the Year’ award at last year’s West Wales Care Awards.

Long Service Awards

Sarah Betts – Headquarters
Awarded for 10 years’ service, currently serving as Financial Analyst.

Laura Hughes – Headquarters
Awarded for 10 years’ service, currently serving as Order Affairs Officer.

Ian McCarroll – Headquarters
Awarded for 10 years’ service, currently serving as Health, Safety & Environment Business Partner.

Gwion Morgan – Dyfed
Awarded for 10 years’ service, currently serving as National Paramedicine Advisor.

Hannah Probert – Gwent
Awarded for 10 years’ service, currently serving as Gwent County Deputy Children & Young People Manager.

Dr Georgia Williams – West Glamorgan
Awarded for 10 years’ service, currently serving as County Training Manager for West Glamorgan.

Jonathon Williams – West Glamorgan
Awarded for 10 years’ service, currently serving as County Operations Manager for West Glamorgan.

Andrea Jenkins – Headquarters
Awarded for 15 years’ service, currently serving as Falls Assistant.

Mark Raven – Headquarters
Awarded for 15 years’ service, currently serving as Urgent Care Assistant.

Lynne Coles – Headquarters
Awarded for 20 years’ service, currently serving as Contract Co-ordinator.

Mathew Hulbert – Headquarters
Awarded for 20 years’ service, currently serving as Senior Trainer.

Kate Lewis – Headquarters
Awarded for 20 years’ service, currently serving as Senior Finance Business Partner.

Youth Awards

Grand Prior Awards

Caitlyn Benson – Powys

Osian Bowen – Cardiff & the Vale

James Dally – Mid Glamorgan

Brynley Davies – Mid Glamorgan

Louise Gordon – Gwent

Sophie Howe – Cardiff & the Vale

Jack Humphreys – Mid Glamorgan

Matthew Langford – Cardiff & the Vale

James Morgan – West Glamorgan

Edward Stuart-Symes – Cardiff & the Vale

Super Badger Awards

Snow Sabat – Dyfed

Maddie Stone – Gwent

Isabella Wisdom – West Glamorgan

Priory Vote of Thanks

Cwmbran Total Construction – Gwent