The Countess of Wessex has marked a significant milestone with St John Ambulance.
Sophie, who has been Grand President of St John Ambulance since 2004, recently marked 15 years of service with the charity. St John Ambulance has provided first aid care and training for over 140 years but dates its history back to the 11th century, with the Knights of St John operating in Jerusalem to provide first aid to pilgrims.
St John Ambulance tweeted: “The Countess has volunteered hours of her time to our lifesaving work over the years, and we are incredibly grateful to have her as one of our #StJohnPeople.”
St John England, the priory associated with the ambulance charity, also shared news of Sophie’s accomplishment, writing: “Yesterday our Prior and Chair of @StJohnAmbulance, @lionel_jarvis2, and Chief President called upon The Countess of Wessex, our Grand President, to update her on our lifesaving work, and to present the Countess with a Bar to the Service Medal for 15 years of service to St John.”
Sophie signed her official portrait from 2020 which features her wearing the robes of a Dame of the Order of St John as part of the celebrations for her long servce.
The Order of St John was founded by Queen Victoria in 1888 to recognise the work of those committed to the ideals of the St. John Eye Hospital in Jerusalem and St. John Ambulance.
The Countess has been heavily involved with St John Ambulance throughout the pandemic. Earlier this year, she completed the training programme to volunteer with the NHS Vaccination Programme, one of over 10,000 volunteers. During her shifts in London, she was photographed providing comfort and information to citizens as they received their vaccines.
She also volunteered with a St John Ambulance’s Operational Support hub to help package and distribute personal protective equipment at the height of the pandemic.
