St John Guernsey is delighted to announce the formal appointment of Marc Farror, MStJ, as Knight Commander for Guernsey, by HRH The Duke of Gloucester with immediate effect.
The Knight Commander is the figurehead of the organisation and chair of board which oversees the St John Guernsey Charity and the Ambulance and Rescue service, providing strategic oversight of the Commandery of St John in the Bailiwick of Guernsey.
Marc Farror, MStJ, has lived in Guernsey since 2017 and is currently the Chief Operating Officer of a group of companies operating in seven jurisdictions in the finance sector providing fiduciary, fund, and trust services, employing approximately 140 staff. His background is in advertising and marketing, which he pursued as a career after leaving University.
Mr. Farror’s involvement with St John began in 2018 when he was asked by the then Knight Commander, Andrew Henton, to join the operational boards of both the St John Charity and the St John Ambulance and Rescue Service. Mr. Farror has been instrumental in promoting collaboration and mutual growth in the two parts of the organisation and brought financial expertise to the commercial arm of St John. In interview it was clear that Mr. Farror has a firm view of what is needed to ensure St John’s continuing effectiveness and efficiency in all its aspects.
In selecting Mr. Farror as the candidate to be recommended for appointment as Knight Commander, the interview panel were mindful that, during the absence due to illness of Mr John Hollis, KStJ, Mr. Farror chaired the Commandery Board with skill and dedication, adopting an inclusive approach to management of the diverse operations of St John in Guernsey, amongst which the emergency ambulance service is of such crucial importance to the community. In this role, thrust upon him unexpectedly, Mr. Farror has performed creditably and efficiently, and has earned the respect of his colleagues for his dedication and vision. He has also maintained a consistent and coherent view of the strategies needed to maintain St John in delivering its works and purposes in Guernsey.
Upon notification of his appointment, Mr. Farror said: “It is an immense honour to be chosen for the role of Knight Commander for St John Guernsey. This organisation does so much for the Bailiwick and it is only possible due to the dedication and passion of both volunteers and staff who have committed so much time, energy and effort to the community over many years. My predecessor, John Hollis, along with the Knight Commanders who came before him, made a significant impact on St John locally and to be given the opportunity to help make an even greater difference for both St John Guernsey and the Bailiwick is a privilege and I thank HRH The Duke of Gloucester for this honour.”
Members of the public, a volunteer Community First Responder, a police officer and an off-duty paramedic have been recognised for their actions at the annual ambulance awards.
The Lieutenant Governor of Guernsey, His Excellency Lieutenant General Richard Cripwell presented four commendation awards to people who stepped forward to help others in their time of need.
Sark Community First Responder Amie Perree was recognised for her part in saving the life of a casualty who suffered a cardiac arrest on Little Sark, a remote part of the island of Sark. Amie performed CPR for 20 minutes and used an AED before the Sark ambulance arrived on scene. The patient was later transferred to Guernsey on the Flying Christine marine ambulance and has made a good recovery.
Schoolgirls Lillia Bolger and Juliette Broad were recognised for rescuing a swimmer who got into difficulties in the sea off Guernsey. The pair kept the casualty afloat until more help arrived and before the arrival of the emergency services.
PC James De La Mare received the award for exceptional conduct when he acted beyond the call of duty to rescue a member of the public from the sea in challenging circumstances. The courage to wade through deep water, the physical effort to carry the patient to the shore and profound commitment in an attempt to save a life, despite the risk to his own safety, was commendable.
Paramedic Laura Goodall received the award for saving a life of while off duty. Laura was alerted to someone who had collapsed nearby. She recognised they were in cardiac arrest and immediately began CPR. The ambulance crew then performed advanced life support and the person regained consciousness before arriving at hospital.
Ambulance and Rescue CEO Mark Mapp said “Today was an opportunity to recognise staff, volunteers and members of the public who stepped forward in a time of need and attempted to save a life. The Recognition of Performance is awarded to people who make a difference in our community and reflect our values of caring, compassion and excellence.”
To mark the 30th anniversary of the Flying Christine III we’ve made a special video showcasing the work of the marine ambulance service. The Flying Christine III is a charitable asset built thanks to public funding. This service continues today through a combination of donations, charges and subscriptions. The first showing of video was at our anniversary event at the Guernsey Yacht Club 30 years to the day since the vessel was launched. Thanks to Element Films for producing the video.
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