University student meets royalty after being named St John Ambulance Cymru’s National Cadet of the Year

A Wrexham Glyndwr student has had a brush with royalty after being named St John Ambulance Cymru’s National Cadet of the Year.

Joshua Taylor, a first-year Professional Policing student met Princess Anne after overcoming tough competition amongst fellow volunteers to win the Cadet of the Year award.

And in a whirlwind few weeks at the start of his first semester, the 18 year-old from Caernarfon was also nominated for Volunteer Cadet 2020/21 at the Lord Ferrers Awards by the North Wales Police Citizens in Policing Team.

Despite being recognised for his sterling voluntary work, Joshua says he has plenty more to achieve, having set his sights on becoming a police officer from a very young age

“I’ve always wanted to be a police officer”, he said.

“I joined the Police cadets back in 2017 when I was about 14, and volunteered almost every week from then on, carrying out duties and community engagement.

“About a year into Police Cadets I joined St John Cadets as I was looking for a new skill for my Duke of Edinburgh bronze award, and I wanted that skill to be First Aid.

“I chose First Aid because it was something I could transfer to the police and is also something I’m interested in.

“Then when I joined St John in Bangor I really enjoyed it, so now I volunteer for the police and St John side by side.”

He added: “I wasn’t aware I’d been nominated for the Lord Farrers award, so was pleased to be shortlisted even though I didn’t win.

“Because I love policing and it’s all I’ve ever wanted to do I’ve put everything I have into Police Cadets, 400 or 500 voluntary hours, so it’s nice to be recognised for that.”

“For the St John Ambulance award, I had to do interviews, first aid scenarios, and a presentation – so it was a proper competition.”

“As a result of winning I represent all the cadets across Wales, and was invited to meet Princes Anne, which was a real honour.

“She was really nice, chatty, and was very keen on youth voice which is what being a cadet leader is all about – empowering young people.”

Having joined the University at the start of the academic year in September, Joshua says he has settled in well to life on campus and feels the Professional Policing course is equipping him well for his future career.

He said: “I was nervous before term started. It’s my first time living alone, far enough away for me to be independent, but I feel I’ve really found my feet.

“I’ve got really good flatmates and a really nice flat in the accommodation here. I’m loving the course, I love learning about the role and the lecturers are really supportive.

“I remember coming to my first Open Day a few years ago and it’s weird to think this is where I am now, but it feels like home for me.”

Andy Crawford, Senior Lecturer on the BSc(Hons) Professional Policing degree, and a Police Cadet Leader with Joshua, added that he is a huge asset to the degree programme, and an example of what people can achieve if they challenge themselves.

He said: “I have seen the time and effort Joshua puts into his academic and volunteering role and can only add my appreciation for the achievements made Joshua has made to date.”

More information about the BSc (Hons) Professional Policing Degree at Wrexham Glyndwr University, can be found here.