An Aberystwyth cadet chosen by St John Cymru to take part in an international first aid skills competition in South Africa has spoken of her experience.

In total 14 cadets were selected from Wales’ leading first aid charity, St John Cymru, to represent Wales in this year’s St John International Championships in South Africa.

The trip took place earlier this month and 17-year-old Tyrr Evans, who was selected for her dedication to the charity, was part of the St John Cymru team that finished fourth in the competition.

Tyrr said: “Three of us were nominated, me and two boys. We had to send a video saying why you wanted to go and why you would benefit from the opportunity. And they chose me.

“I felt really honoured to get the place. I found out during one of my free periods in school, and I was literally bouncing off my seat.”

Each cadet had to fund-raise £1,000 to be able to travel and compete in South Africa.

To raise her £1,000, Tyrr held numerous cake sales in school and during her St John division sessions.

She also held a bingo night in Penparcau as well as a quiz night for the adults and parents of the cadets and badgers, the St John group for five-10-year-old children.

“I also got a grant from the War Memorial Trust Fund, which was a really good building block,” Tyrr said.

“I was quite low on funds, but the grant really boosted my confidence. It made me realise I could do this.”

Her time in South Africa allowed Tyrr to put her first aid, care, communication and leadership skills to the ultimate test as she competed against other internationally recognised Priories of St John, including St John Ambulance (England), St John New Zealand, St John Canada, and St John Hong Kong to name a few.

She said: “It was a really good opportunity. We got to explore Cape Town as well as learn about other countries that also went."

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