A TEENAGER left disabled by a rare life-threatening condition, received a personal congratulation from Princess Anne at Buckingham Palace this week when honoured for his achievements with St John Ambulance.
Christopher Ayers was one of 45 young people from around the country to attend the reception, which recognised the commitment of St John Ambulance badgers, cadets and young carers made throughout the year.
During Wednesday’s Young Achievers’ reception, the 15-year-old cadet chatted to the Princess Royal about his experiences, what he enjoyed most about volunteering with St John Ambulance and his aspirations of becoming a paramedic.
Christopher, of Colwell Lane, Freshwater, who joined St John Ambulance two years ago and who received the charity’s IW Cadet of the Year award, was born with Charge Syndrome, a rare, life-threatening condition which affects different parts of the body.
The St George’s School student has managed to complete first-aid training and other modules while coping with a heart condition, breathing through a permanent tracheotomy, profound deafness and impaired sight and hearing.
He said meeting Princess Anne was very exciting and he is delighted he will soon receive a Young Achievers’ Award.
"I enjoy the training and have made a lot of friends. It has given me a lot of confidence," he said.
Christine Stratton, commissioner of the IW branch of St John Ambulance, said the decision to nominate Christopher for this year’s award was a unanimous one.
"When you consider the number of medical conditions he has, Christopher has been brilliant. He’s always enthusiastic about everything he does and likes to participate in all he possibly can," she said.
Reporter: jonm@iwcpmail.co.uk