The Cadet Legacy of Carys Ringrose

As this year is our Cadet centenary year, we want to tell your stories and show how being a Cadet can leave a lasting legacy…

Carys Ringrose from Barry, South Wales, works as an Internal Training Facilitator at St John Ambulance Cymru and has fond memories of her time as a Cadet.

Carys’ time with the Cadets gave her so many skills which she has carried throughout her life and have supported her career. As a Cadet, Carys sat the Cadet Trainer course, she says “this course gave me a taste of what it’s like to teach/train others. It helped me make the decision to go into teaching as a career and ultimately led me to where I am now, working for St John Ambulance Cymru full time in the Internal Training Team.”

Carys’ favourite thing about being a Cadet was the annual camps she attended; “We got to go to different places all over Wales and participate in a variety of activities. It was a fantastic two weeks away from home making new friends and learning new skills with Cadets from around Wales.”

She describes some of her fondest memories: “On the Cadet Leadership Course, we went on a weekend away in North Wales. We were put through our paces with activities designed to bring out leadership skills. It was a great weekend away that I wouldn’t have had the opportunity to experience had it not been for St John Ambulance Cymru.”

Another amazing memory for Carys was attending a reception held in Buckingham Palace to meet Princess Anne. “I remember taking the train up to London and we spent some time practicing how to courtesy, it really was a once in a lifetime experience.!”

Carys still volunteers for St John Ambulance Cymru and is currently the County Training Manager for Cardiff and the Vale. “It felt natural to continue as an adult volunteer” she says.

I went to University when I was 18 and continued with St John Ambulance Cymru in the LINKS Division that was established in my second year. What I liked the most is how the training I have received as an adult has built upon what I learnt as a Cadet.

I would have to say that without my time as a Cadet I wouldn’t really be where I am today.” Carys says. “The Cadets helped me get into the career I am in now. Looking at the support for Cadets today by the Children and Young People Team and our Young People Volunteer Managers, this is still the case, which is so great to see.

I would encourage any young person to join Cadets with St John Ambulance Cymru. The experiences you gain can help propel you into your future careers and give you lifelong friends and memories.