A Powys-based volunteer is taking a step back from volunteering this year, after 59 years of serving her local community.

Ruth Hockly, who volunteers with St John Ambulance Cymru’s Bettws Cedewain Division, has held several roles within the organisation since joining in 1965. 

Everyone at the charity, especially Ruth’s fellow volunteers in Powys, is extending their deepest gratitude to Ruth for all she has done for the charity and her local community during this time.

Ruth’s most recent role has been the Divisional Officer in Charge at Bettws Cedewain, leading other volunteers in the area. Ruth has also committed a huge amount of time to St John Ambulance Cymru’s Badger programme, which runs for children aged 5-11 throughout Wales.

Ruth became her local Badger Leader from the first day her local Badger group opened and has been a dedicated leader ever since. She’s taught generations of local children first aid, as well as a range of other educational and fun topics.

During her time as a volunteer, Ruth’s work has been officially recognised by the Priory for Wales, an independent Priory of the Order of St John and a working Order of Chivalry of the British Crown.

Earlier this year, Ruth was also recognised as part of the National Children and Young People Team’s Workforce Awards, for her ongoing hard work as a Badger Leader.

Ruth’s fellow Powys volunteer, Julie Carrod, said: "Ruth has been a constant within our youth groups in Powys. Her years of experience has been invaluable to new leaders, with Ruth always willing to share her knowledge, experience and wisdom with us all.

“So many youngsters have achieved their Super Badger award thanks to Ruth’s guidance, enthusiasm and passion. She has been an inspiration for so many, ensuring that the young develop into fantastic role models.”

David Gardner, Assistant Chief Commissioner for St John Ambulance Cymru has worked alongside Ruth for a number of years, and added: “Ruth has shown years of dedication to the charity and has been extremely proactive in giving young people the best opportunities.

“Some of Ruth’s Badgers have gone on to become very successful people in their adult lives and I am sure that the learning they had as a Badger with Ruth helped them on their way.”

Ruth’s service to St John Ambulance Cymru and her wider community has been incredible, teaching generations of young people lifesaving first aid skills, and helping to provide essential first aid cover at events in her community.

The first aid charity for Wales has extended their heartfelt thanks to Ruth for her hard work and dedication over the last 59 years, as a true inspiration to volunteer across Wales.

If you’d like to find out more about St John Ambulance Cymru’s Badger programme, which runs throughout Wales, please visit: www.sjacymru.org.uk/badgers

The first aid charity for Wales is recruiting volunteers to join their teams, if you’d like to support young people in your community, learn lifesaving skills and provide first aid cover to exciting events throughout the country, visit www.sjacymru.org.uk/volunteer for further details.