A VOLUNTEER who has treated hundreds of people in first aid emergencies during thousands of hours of service has been recognised for her dedication.

Lillian Oakey has been the St John Ambulance unit leader for Chatteris for over 20 years and a member of the leading first aid charity for 33 years.

Her retirement was marked at a recent presentation evening with St John Ambulance Cambridgeshire Commander and County Commissioner, staff and members of Chatteris Division.

During her time, Lillian has notched up an impressive 18,670 hours of service.

Lillian said: “After 33 years I decided it was time to have a rest from the pressures of running the Division, and spend more time on other things, though I will be carrying on with the Medical Loans Service.”

Members Arthur Kitson, Roy Millard and Thelma Ford were also recognised for the exceptional service they have given. Arthur has notched up 5,850 hours, Roy 4,420 and Thelma, who joined just last year, has already given 250 hours of service. This adds up to a total of 29,145 hours providing potentially life saving first aid cover, training and support to the local area.

Superintendent Oakey, a serving sister in the Order of St John, hands over the reins of unit leadership to Anne Wells who said: “Lillian will be a hard act to follow, but I am determined that Chatteris division will continue to support the community of Chatteris, providing first aid at events, first aid training courses and our care work.”

Miss Oakey will continue to run the medical loans for the division in Eastwood, Chatteris.

Cambridgeshire Commander, Mr Ivan Palmer MBE, JP, said: “Lillian is one of our longest serving members and we are extremely proud of her achievements. She is well known by the people of Chatteris and the unit has been nationally recognised for the division’s community care work.”

St John Ambulance believes that anyone who needs first aid should get it. The charity is committed to making sure no one dies through a lack of first aid training.