A VOLUNTEER Community First Responder from Barry has recently been presented with the MBE by HM King Charles III at Buckingham Palace.
Gerry Adams, 75, a Volunteer Community First Responder, was recognised for his voluntary services to the Barry community, working with the Welsh Ambulance Service Trust (WAST).
He said: “It was truly an honour and privilege to represent team WAST at my MBE investiture. I started my ‘career’ in the voluntary sector with St John Ambulance Cymru as a cadet at 10 years old.
“During my 30 years with St John I was a founding member of the Barry Lifeguard division, spending 20 years as a Surf Lifesaver and I also served 36 years with the Barry Dock Lifeboat.
“I’m now heading into my 20th year with #TeamWAST as a Volunteer Community First Responder. As well as volunteering I’ve spent 50 years as a qualified nurse.
“All this would not have been possible without the unstinting support of my wife Jill, who has endured 46 years at the end of a pager or phone, as well as my four children.
“I must pay tribute to all of my friends and trainers for keeping me interested in what I call a blessed voluntary ‘career’.”
During his time with the St John Ambulance Brigade, Gerry joined the Barry Dock Lifeboat, serving 18 years on the ‘sharp end’ and 18 years as the press officer – retiring from the RNLI in 2014.
He said: “I was awarded the RNLI Statuette for services rendered and have certificates stating that 95 lives were saved from ’shipwreck’. I also received the RNLI long service medal for 36 years.
“Before I retired from the RNLI, I became a Welsh Ambulance Service (NHS) Trust Community First Responder. I was appointed the CFR Rep for the Vale a few years ago and I aim to carry on as long as I have the mental and physical ability. I really love this ‘job’.”
Gerry also ran the Cardiff Half Marathon at the age of 65 to raise funds for the RNLI and, at the age of 70, ran the same race on behalf of the Air Wales Ambulance.
As well as his voluntary work, Gerry started training to become a nurse at Llandough Hospital. He retired at the age of 68 but kept his registration ‘live’ until 2019 which notched up 50 years!
Gerry added: “For over 40 years my wife Jill fully supported me, often at short notice and not always convenient!
“The romance with Jill started in the operating theatres at Llandough. I was her boss but I’m not sure now! She has just retired from nursing as well. We have four grown up children, Paul, Matthew, Kirsty and Rebecca.
“I have to say, if it were not for the fantastic support of my family, I would not have been able to practice such a long time as a volunteer. Believe me, being at the end of a bleep or phone alert was not always convenient to them!”
Got a story for the Glamorgan Star? Contact us today via Star it Here.
.
- We did promise you a rose garden!
- Sir Gareth thanks team behind ‘The Bear Run’
- ‘Roo’ from Barry is honoured at Windsor Castle
⭐ All of our social media in one handy place – here
Former Barry office building transformed into vital new homes
Prolific thief banned from entering shops in Barry
I’m proud that all parties agreed on children in care plan
Royal Welsh highlights the role of the rural economy
Parent may have to lose job for school run
Double victory for Pencoed cricketers
