St John Ambulance names its Regional Cadet of the Year South East

Duncan Matulewicz-Boyle, 17, from Farnborough, was selected from 36 of the charity’s superstar Cadets - all of whom had won district competitions to earn their place at the national final at Eastwood Hall, Nottinghamshire, over the weekend of 17-19 February. 

The Cadet programme (10–17-year-olds), which celebrated its centenary last year, plays a huge role in developing the next generations of health professionals, volunteers and lifesavers. Last year more than 1,600 young Cadets provided 45,700 hours of lifesaving first aid and care alongside adult St John volunteers. 

The finalists faced rigorous challenges which demonstrated not only their exemplary first aid knowledge but questioned about their passion for volunteering in their community, leadership communication and teamwork skills.

In addition to becoming Regional Cadet of the Year for the South East, Duncan tied with another Cadet for the Miller First Aid Trophy, meaning that they both scored the highest points in the assessed first aid skills section of the weekend.

Duncan, who is also District Cadet of the Year for Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, has completed several courses at St John including Cadet Operational First Aider, Cadet Demonstrator and Cadet Radio Operator, and he has also passed 26 of the subjects needed for his Grand Prior Award, the highest qualification a St John Cadet can achieve.

At the Farnborough Cadet unit, he is a Sergeant, leading on first aid training and teaching Grand Prior Award subjects, as well as running drill and organising Cadet awards. He has also been Vice Chair of St John’s Regional Youth Forum.

He has used his first aid skills on a number of occasions, treating a member of the public who was dizzy while queueing to see Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth lying in state and helping a ball boy who fainted at the Wimbledon Championships.

Outside St John, Duncan has many interests include Amateur Radio, where he designs and builds radio equipment and has managed to connect with another operator in Australia using Internet patching. In addition he knits and crochets and uses his skill to make poppies for the Royal British Legion. He has also helped with a charity called SHARE (Salesian Hearts Advocating the Relief of poverty through Education) which works to help children in poverty in Zambia. He worked on the technical team for a Eurovision concert the charity did for them, and recently helped redesign their branding. 

Another hobby is singing, and he is currently taking lessons to improve his abilities. His favourite memory of singing was when he was able to sing at Westminster Cathedral in London for HCPT, a charity that takes disabled children to Lourdes in France.

He has won many awards at his school, Salesian College, including the Wilson Shield for Salesian Ethos (in 2021) and the Fr. Alfred Pilbeam Dux award for achieving the most merits per year in his house, an award that he was given three years running between 2019 and 2021.

Duncan said: “I am so shocked. I never thought it would be me. In my year in office I’m really looking forward to focusing on the youth voice and making sure that every young person has a say.

“To any young people thinking of joining St John I would say that, first of all, you of course learn first aid and with those skills you could go and save a life but also it’s such an amazing group of Cadets and you meet so many incredible young people. I’d say my piece of advice is to just do it and come and join us!”

He will now represent St John Ambulance at high-profile events and ceremonial occasions.

Outgoing National Cadet Georgina Heron-Edmends, said: “This past year has taken me all around the country to meet royalty and hear and see some amazing young people actively making a difference in their communities. Young people are not the voices of tomorrow, they are the first aiders, advocates, and face of our organisation in the here and now.” 

St John Ambulance chief executive, Martin Houghton-Brown, who sat on the judging panel, said: “Congratulations to our winners. The National Cadet of the Year competition is one of the highlights of my year. It really is such a privilege to spend time with all of these outstanding young people. Our Cadets are really put through their paces and tested not only on their first aid, but also how they have benefited their communities. 

“This year, as always, we have Cadets who have used their first aid skills to help people in extraordinary situations from seizures in schools, head injuries at football matches, a chain saw injury to helping someone who had fallen off a horse amongst other urgent first aid scenarios. I am extremely proud of all of the finalists and indeed of all our young people across St John – you are a credit to St John and your communities.” 

Congratulations were expressed too by Ann Cable St John Ambulance’s Chief Commissioner, who also sat on the judging panel. She said: “The National Cadet of the Year is a really important role for St John that brings with it lots of responsibility. Duncan gave an exceptional performance across the board and is a worthy winner, congratulations to him.” 

The team of eight Regional Cadets of the Year, the Commanderies Cadet of the Year and the overall National Cadet of the Year have a key role in making sure the voices of young volunteers are heard at the highest level in St John and also represent St John Ambulance at ceremonial occasions. His Majesty is Sovereign Head of the Order of St John, St John Ambulance’s parent charity.  

St John Ambulance youth programmes range for those aged 5-25 years and rely on volunteers and donations.  Ask us how you can get involved and find out more at www.sja.org.uk.