On the evening of 24th June, all over the country, more than 100 well-known buildings and landmarks, including Peterborough Cathedral, were lit up in green in support of national healthcare and first aid charity, St John Ambulance.
The 24th June is St John’s Day, a focal point of the charity’s annual calendar of activity, when the team of volunteers and staff reflect on the past 12 months and plan for future work in communities around the country.
Due to COVID-19, St John’s Day has had to be marked in a different way from usual, and the ‘Light it Green’ initiative is one way that the country was asked to take part on the day. At the same time, the work of the charity and its volunteers is being highlighted through a new campaign, ‘Ask Me’, which focuses on many stories that tell of the lives saved and positively changed by First Aid and St John.
Peterborough Cathedral was delighted to be able to support St John people as they continue to work on the NHS vaccination programme, respond to the pandemic, and start returning to event duties and providing first aid training.
The Dean of Peterborough, the Very Revd Chris Dalliston who is County Chaplain for St John Ambulance, said:
"St John's volunteers have been at the forefront of supporting the NHS during the pandemic and as an organisation they have co-ordinated volunteer recruitment for the vaccination programme over the past months. It is a privilege to be able to celebrate their work by lighting up the Cathedral in green."
Mick Messinger, Chancellor of the Priory of England and the Islands of the Order of St John, said:
“For the second year running, it was wonderful to see so many buildings lit up in green on 24th June to help us celebrate St John’s Day and we’re immensely grateful to the owners and custodians who agreed for this to happen. The contribution and participation of so many people around the country has made St John’s Day 2021 another memorable day and we hope many people will be prompted to ask us how our work has had a positive impact on the lives of others.”
For those who wish to support the charity through fundraising, please go to www.sja.org.uk/green to discover how to Go Green to Save Lives. More detail about St. John’s new ‘Ask Me’ campaign can also be found at www.sja.org.uk/ask-me/.
Further information
For further information about St John or to arrange a media interview please contact Ian Groves,
PR Lead for the Priory of England and the Islands of the Order of St John, on 07973 839285 or at ian.groves@sja.org.uk
About St John Ambulance
St John Ambulance responds to health emergencies, supports communities, and saves lives, relying on the public’s generosity to do so. Compassionate care isn’t just part of our heritage, it’s in our hearts. With our clinical expertise and nationwide presence, our volunteer-led health and first aid charity is uniquely placed to serve the country.
From our vibrant youth programmes to our world-class training, we empower people of all ages with lifesaving skills and the confidence to use them, every day. St John volunteers treat and transport thousands of patients each year, and in times of crisis we are England’s national health reserve.
As a charity with a long history of serving humanity, we are proud of our past and excited about creating a healthier, safer, more resilient future. St John Ambulance has relieved people from illness, injury, distress and suffering for over 140 years and, with the public’s support, will do so for decades to come.
Photo: Tim Halliday