Four people from Guernsey have been invested into the prestigious International Order of St John at a ceremony at St John’s Gate in London.

Nicola Hoyland Birch, Lieutenant of the Commanadery board, was formally appointed as an Officer of the Most Venerable Order of St John of Jerusalem for services to the Ambulance and Rescue Service and the St John group in Guernsey.  

Long serving Flying Christine volunteer Andy Lowe, who has been an active member of the crew for more than 30 years was invested as a Member of the Order of St John for services to the marine ambulance. 

Volunteer Alan Stevens was appointed a Member of the Order for his dedicated service spanning more than 40 years, specifically for his contribution to the Volunteer Ambulance Reserve and event first aid with the St John Guernsey charity. 

Paramedic and Communications Officer Jim Cathcart was recognised for his services to the St John Ambulance and Rescue Service and the wider St John organisation and was invested as a Member of the Order.  

The ceremony was conducted by the Prior of St John in England and the Islands, Rear Admiral Simon Williams.   

Nicola Hoyland-Birch said: “I am honoured to be recognised as an Officer of the Order of St John. The investiture was a deeply personal moment filled with both pride and gratitude. To have the contribution I make to St John recognised in this way feels truly special.”  

Andy Lowe added: “It was a wonderful day and an honour to be involved in a very special occasion. It was also very interesting to learn more about the history and heritage of St John, some of which was reflected in the ceremony. It’s a real privilege to be involved with the boat, especially as my uncle, John Osbourne was the boatbuilder of Flying Christine II. There have been so many times when I have seen first hand how the marine ambulance has made a difference, from maternity cases to some very sick patients, it is a lifesaving service.”   

Alan Stevens said: “I first joined as a Cadet at the age of 12 and from those early years, till present day, I have always felt that it was a calling, whether that be treating in first aid or in the ceremonial roles. It’s given me confidence within myself, through the duties I have undertaken. The award is a great honour. For me, St John is what one can put into the organisation and hopefully I’ve always put everything in to all that I do.” 

Jim Cathcart commented: “It was a huge honour to be invested as a Member of the Order. The ceremony, which took place in the historic surroundings of the Priory Church and the Chapter Hall of St John’s Gate, was a unique experience and it was very humbling to be surrounded by so many people who have gone above and beyond in their service with St John. It struck me that there are many small parts of this large international organisation all doing great things and collectively all those individuals make a huge impact improving the lives of others.” 

The appointments were announced in The Gazette in October 2025. Appointments and promotions in the Order of St John are sanctioned by His Majesty King Charles III, the Sovereign Head of the Order. The Order has its origins in Jerusalem around 1070, when the Hospitallers cared for poor and sick pilgrims of all faiths. The Order of St John re-emerged in England during the Industrial Revolution, in the reign of Queen Victoria, who made it a Royal Order of Chivalry. Today the Order of St John is an international organisation which continues to deliver first aid, ambulance services and healthcare in more than forty countries. 

A special investiture ceremony, normally only held at the headquarters of St John in London, has taken place in Guernsey to invest two Knight Commanders of the International Order of St John.

Chief Ambulance Officer Mark Mapp, Marc Farror, John Hollis and St John Guernsey CEO Heather Langlois

The event at Government House saw John Hollis and Marc Farror formally promoted to the rank of Knight Commander of the Order, both promotions having been sanctioned by His Royal Highness King Charles III.

Mr Hollis previously held the role of Knight Commander of St John in the Bailiwick of Guernsey but had to step down due to ill health before his ceremonial appointment was able to take place. Mr Hollis was succeeded by Marc Farror who took up the role in January 2025. During the ceremony, which was conducted by Prior of England and the Islands, Simon Williams and His Excellency the Lieutenant-Governor Sir Richard Cripwell, a ‘transfer of power’ signified the transition of leadership to Marc Farror.

His Excellency the Lieutenant-Governor Sir Richard Cripwell and Prior of England and the Islands, Simon Williams

Marc Farror said: “I am thrilled to be invested as Knight Commander alongside my good friend John Hollis. John, in his short time as the Knight Commander of St John in the Bailiwick of Guernsey, made such a positive impact on our organisation, and as the new Knight Commander, I realise that I have a lot to accomplish to fill his shoes.

He added: “It is an honour to be recognised as part of the Order of St John, as it is a 900 year old order of chivalry, that has its origins in pilgrims making their pilgrimage to the Holy Land and seeking aid and refuge from the Hospital of St John of Jerusalem.

“I’d like to thank the wider team in St John, our staff, volunteers, and our community, who give us tremendous support. They are the heroes who give their time who deserve this accolade. I feel privileged to serve in such a team.”

The marine ambulance Flying Christine III is currently in scheduled maintenance and inspection in the Isle of Wight.

The marine ambulance Flying Christine III is currently in scheduled maintenance and inspection in the Isle of Wight. The vessel is undergoing an extended programme of preventative and remedial maintenance, allowing both engines to be fully inspected, tested and refurbished, to ensure she remains safe, reliable and ready for the 2026 season.
 
Importantly, the vessel’s engines are overall in very good condition. This work is being undertaken to protect reliability and extend the vessel’s operational life for as long as possible.
 
Flying Christine III is expected to remain out of the water until late April to early May.
 
Flying Christine III plays a vital role as a lifeline medical service for the islands of the Bailiwick. With no dedicated alternative capability to move sick and injured patients from the smaller islands to Guernsey, it is essential that the vessel is maintained to the highest possible standard.
Dean De la Mare, Head of Operations at St John Ambulance and Rescue Service, said:
 “Following significant refurbishment during 2024 and 2025, Flying Christine III has a further lease of life, but like any ageing vessel, she requires increasingly thorough annual maintenance. The engines are in very good overall condition; this work is about ensuring reliability and extending the vessel’s operational life for as long as we safely can.”
 
Flying Christine III is a charitable service and receives no government funding. It is operated by a dedicated crew of professional volunteers and relies on the generosity of the Bailiwick community, alongside modest charges that help offset the cost of clinical care. The service costs approximately £80,000 per year to run, excluding fuel, which is kindly sponsored.
 
During summer 2025, Flying Christine III responded to 31 cases to Sark, Alderney and Herm.
 
While Flying Christine III is in scheduled maintenance and inspection off-island, the ambulance service has long-standing contingency plans in place, using a number of relief vessels.
 
“We have contingency arrangements to ensure we can continue to reach patients in the smaller islands while Flying Christine III is away,” Dean De la Mare added.
 
“This time of year is typically quieter, which makes it the best and safest window to undertake extended maintenance. We are also very grateful to the owners and operators of the relief vessels who support us during this period.”

Islanders are being asked to give their feedback on  Guernsey’s St John Ambulance and Rescue Service. 

How do you think we are doing?

The 2026 Patient Survey is being carried out by local company Island Global Research and is available to complete online by following the links on social media, via the ambulance service website ambulance.gg or by going to  https://survey.islandglobalresearch.com/s3/AmbulanceRescueSurvey2026.  

A paper copy of the survey is also available by calling in to the ambulance service reception at Blanchford House, Rohais. 

The survey is open to anyone, but the Ambulance and Rescue Service is especially keen to hear from people who have recently used the emergency ambulance service or the non-emergency patient transfer service, or who have a close friend or relative who has used the services during the past year. The survey also contains a section about the Joint Emergency Services Control Centre (JESCC). 

Members of the ambulance subscription scheme and people who have been a patient during January or February this year, will also be invited to take part in the survey by email or letter. Recipients only need to fill in the questionnaire once. 

Dean de la Mare, Head of Operations at Ambulance and Rescue said: “Feedback is really important to us.  Delivering high quality patient care is our top priority and our crews take pride in being compassionate and providing an excellent standard of care, ensuring people get the service they deserve. Demand for the ambulance service continues to be high, with periods of increased demand and it is important to find out what islanders think of the service we are providing so we can see what we are doing well and look at how we can improve.”  

The survey is anonymous and takes around ten minutes to complete and will be available until mid April. 

The performance and achievements of Guernsey’s ambulance teams has been recognised at a special awards presentation. The event was hosted by the Bailiff of Guernsey and took place in the Bailiff’s Chambers at the Royal Court Building in St Peter Port. A total of 12 awards were presented in the ceremony.

Trainee Emergency Medical Technician Mimi Smith-Le Flock received four awards, including a Chief Officer’s Commendation after she demonstrated exceptional professionalism, composure, and clinical leadership at a cardiac arrest. Her action reflected a maturity and skill level well beyond her current clinical role as a trainee.

Mimi was also part of a crew who were presented with an award for clinical excellence for their response to a potentially life-threatening maternity emergency – and she was one of several people who received a Chief Officer’s Recognition of Performance for their part in a successful cardiac arrest of a cyclist at the Halfway. Mimi’s high standard of care and compassion was also reflected by winning the award for the highest number of appreciations from patients, families and members of the public in 2025.

Paramedic Team Leader Andy Adam was presented with the Ambulance Service (emergency duties) 40 years Long Service and Good Conduct Bar to Service Medal. During his long career, Andy has been recognised for his consistent and dedicated support to the senior management team and his ongoing commitment to his work within the ambulance service, which includes all major incident training for the service. 

Paramedic Team Leader Sonia Guille, who became Guernsey first female paramedic is 1998, received the 30 years Long Service and Good Conduct Bar, after dedicating over three decades to serving the community.

A new award, the Clinical Excellence Award, sponsored by Channel Insurance Brokers was awarded to Paramedic Greg Martin for his management of a complex trauma related incident in 2024. Paramedic Steve Domaille, Emergency Medical Technician Sharon Le Cras and Trainee EMT Mimi Smith-Le Flock received the award for 2025, for their response to an emergency maternity case.

The award was presented by Tony De Sousa, Group Managing Director of Channel Insurance Brokers.

The Chief Officer’s Recognition of Performance award was presented to volunteer Community First Responders Ben Nichols and Rob Jordan, along with Trainee EMT Mimi Smith-Le Flock and paramedics Ross Senior and Paramedic Emily Baudains for their part in a successful team response to a cardiac arrest at the Halfway. The award was presented by Leon Ogier, the patient whose life was saved.

Patient Transfer Service Team Leader Nicola Strong received a Chief Officer’s Recognition of Performance award in behalf of her team after their prompt and effective actions when collectively they recognised and helped a regular patient transfer patient who was suffering from a serious and potentially life-threating medical condition.

Off duty paramedic Steve Torode was recognised for the assistance he provided to Guernsey Police for a vulnerable adult in a mental health case.

A Chief Officer’s Recognition of Performance award was also given to Emergency Medical Technician Kadie Ormrod and Emergency Care Assistant Ashley Butterfield for their prompt actions at a cardiac arrest which resulted in the patient regaining a heart beat before the paramedic arrived.

Flying Christine Volunteer Operations Manager Gary Ward was also presented with the BBC Make A Difference Runners-up award. Gary was shortlisted for the community award last year for his long and dedicated service to the marine ambulance.

Head of Operations Dean De La Mare also received a Chief Officers Recognition of Performance for his planning and delivery of the events to commemorate the founder of Ambulance and Rescue, Reg Blanchford, with the installation of Blue Plaque and renaming of the ambulance headquarters.

The awards exemplify the highest standards of care and compassion of the Ambulance and Rescue Service and highlight the vital role our clinicians play serving the communities of the Bailiwick.

The ambulance service in Guernsey and Alderney is putting special arrangements in place, which will be continually reviewed based on the latest information. The safety and protection of patients, staff and volunteers will continue to be our priority.

A red wind warning and a red tide and flood warning have been issued for the following 24 hours, ahead of Storm Goretti. Islanders are being advised to prepare for the storm which could see gusts of force 12, and heavy rainfall. Winds are expected to peak at 9pm this evening (Thursday).

Operational changes may be needed during the storm, and at times there may be delays to ambulance responses. For medical emergencies the public is advised to call 999 in the normal way. Calls will be triaged with the priority being given to life-threatening cases.

A paramedic officer will be stationed at the Joint Emergency Services Control Centre (JESCC) to assist with clinical triage, which may involve a video consultation as part of the initial assessment. For some less urgent calls, medical advice from a clinician may be given over the phone.

Additional ambulance crews and Operational Commanders will be on duty overnight in Guernsey and Alderney, with ambulances on standby at satellite locations around the island.

The Non-emergency Patient Transfer Service (NEPTS) will be reviewed as more information on the storm becomes available. Any patients whose journey is not essential will be contacted by the NEPTS team and the journey rescheduled.

For the latest information please follow the States of Guernsey and Bailiwick Law Enforcement social media pages.

Two people from Guernsey’s Ambulance and Rescue Service have received the honour of being admitted to The Most Venerable Order of the Hospital of St John of Jerusalem – commonly known as the Order of St John.

Long serving marine ambulance volunteer Andy Lowe was recognised for his services to the Flying Christine.

Jim Cathcart, who recently became a full-time paramedic and co-ordinates the PR for the Ambulance and Rescue Service, was nominated for his work promoting the organisation.

The Most Venerable Order of the Hospital of St John of Jerusalem – commonly known as the Order of St John – has its roots in a hospice in Jerusalem in the 11th century. Today the international charity provides health care and support in more than forty countries through a dedicated team of around 250,000 volunteers and staff.

Andy Lowe said: “My uncle built the previous Flying Christine – so it has been fantastic for our family to continue with the close bond for this incredible vessel. I have always been interested in the boat and it has been a real privilege to be involved with it. I am so very grateful to be able to play a small part in a most amazing and rewarding organisation.”


Chief Ambulance Officer Mark Mapp said: “I am delighted to pay tribute to Andy Lowe, whose outstanding voluntary service as coxswain of the St John Marine Ambulance has spanned more than three decades. As a highly experienced Master Mariner and Captain, Andy could have taken his skills anywhere in the world, yet he has chosen to dedicate them to the people of the Bailiwick of Guernsey. For over 30 years he has led volunteer crews on the Flying Christine II and Flying Christine III, answering calls day and night and often in challenging conditions, to ensure that lifesaving care reaches islanders whenever and wherever it is needed”


“Andy’s calm leadership, professionalism and deep knowledge of the sea have been central to the success and safety of the Marine Ambulance Service. He has generously mentored and trained the next generation of coxswains and crew, sharing not only technical skills but also the ethos and values that underpin the Ambulance Service. Most recently, his key role in guiding major upgrades to the Marine Ambulance has helped to secure the vessel’s reliability for the future and maintain public confidence in this vital lifeline. His long and devoted volunteer service is an example to us all, and I am immensely proud to recognise the huge contribution he has made to Ambulance and Rescue and to our community of islands”

Mark Mapp said:  “I am immensely proud that Paramedic Jim Cathcart has been admitted as a Member of the Order of St John. Since joining St John Ambulance and Rescue Service in 2016 initially as a trainee retained EMT and Public Relations Officer, Jim has consistently gone above and beyond in his service to our community. Balancing his full-time role in the Ambulance and Rescue Service with leading our communications, he has used his broadcasting experience to raise the profile of St John locally and nationally, from high-impact public awareness campaigns on stroke and heart attack recognition and Restart a Heart Day, to clear and reassuring communication throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

His admission as a Member of the Order is such an honour – particularly as this distinction is approved by His Majesty The King – and I am delighted that it has been bestowed upon Jim. It is a fitting recognition of his professionalism, dedication and outstanding contribution to St John and to the Bailiwick of Guernsey.”

Jim Cathcart said: “When I received the letter I was absolutely speechless – I genuinely thought there had been a mix up. Once I realised it wasn’t a mistake, I felt very honoured to get this recognition. I understand one of the reasons I was nominated is for the work I have done raising awareness of the vital work of the ambulance service and the wider St John community in Guernsey, not just locally but among partner organisations further afield. I am incredibly proud to be one small part of an amazing team of people who take time to care and make a difference when it really matters.”

Andy and Jim were both made Members of the Order. An individual can be admitted to the Order for outstanding service to St John in recognition of achievement, notable or selfless service or inspiration and encouragement to others. There are five Grades of membership Member, Officer, Commander, Knight or Dame and Bailiff or Dame Grand Cross

The Ambulance and Rescue service in Guernsey and Alderney is backing a joint national campaign to help prevent falls in older people and provide information on what to do if you do fall.

Falls are one of the most frequent cases for the ambulance service in the islands and during the winter there is often an increase in 999 calls from older and vulnerable people who have fallen and cannot get back up. There are also more risks associated with falling in winter.

The Association of Ambulance Chief Executives (AACE), speaking on behalf of all UK ambulance services, has joined forces with the Royal College of Emergency Medicine (RCEM) and the British Geriatrics Society (BGS) to issue important advice: know what to do if you fall, and take simple steps to stay steady on your feet.

Anna Parry, Managing Director of AACE, said: “Every winter, across the UK, we see thousands of older people who have fallen and struggled to get back up, often spending some time on the floor as a result. Many of these ‘long lies’ could be prevented. A mobile phone in your pocket, a pendant alarm around your neck or wrist, or practising how to get up from the floor while you’re well could make a real difference.”

Nationally, one in three people over 65 who live at home will fall at least once this year; for those over 80 the risk rises to one in two.

The key advice is:

  • If you do fall – stay calm. Take a moment to check yourself before moving.
  • If you can get up safely: roll onto your side, push up to hands and knees, shuffle to a sturdy chair or sofa, place one foot flat and slowly stand.
  • If you cannot get up: use your phone or pendant alarm immediately, shout or bang to attract attention, keep warm, and move a little every half hour to protect circulation.
  • Call 999 at once if you, or the person who has fallen:
  • Cannot get up, even with help
  • Is confused, not fully awake, drowsy or vomiting
  • Has injured their head, neck, back or hip
  • Is in pain
  • Has severe bleeding

This advice is now available in a downloadable PDF that can be printed off by members of the public from here: https://aace.org.uk/news/winter-falls-advice/.

 Dr Ian Higginson, RCEM President, said: “Falls are a common reason that older people find themselves in emergency departments (ED), and can lead to significant injury, particularly when someone is frail. No one wants to go to hospital, especially due to something which can often be prevented. We support this advice which could prevent the need for a stay in an A&E.”

Professor Jugdeep Dhesi, President of the BGS, said: “A fall doesn’t have to mean the beginning of the end of independent living. Many older people recover quickly if they avoid a ‘long lie’ on the floor and get prompt help. Simple strength and balance exercises twice a week, good footwear, removing trip hazards in the home and a review with your GP can dramatically cut your risk.”

Top tips to prevent falls this winter

  • Carry a mobile phone or wear a pendant alarm.
  • Have a key-safe or give a spare key to someone trusted.
  • Wear well-fitting slippers with grip.
  • Keep paths clear of clutter and trailing wires.
  • Stay active – even gentle movement helps.
  • Eat regularly and keep hydrated and don’t drink too much alcohol, especially if you feel unsteady.
  • Get your eyes and hearing checked.
  • Never rush when standing up.

 

Guernsey’s Ambulance Service, in partnership with Guernsey Museums, is inviting former members of the St John Ambulance and Rescue Service to share their stories and experiences as part of a special project celebrating the Service’s 90th anniversary.

It follows the highly successful launch of The Island Memories Project, pioneered last year by Guernsey Museum in partnership with BBC Radio Guernsey.

The Island Memories Project aims to record islanders’ accounts of their past and that of the island. These recordings become part of a permanent digital archive so that future generations can listen to and learn from the people of the Bailiwick that came before them.

In The Island Memories Project : Ambulance and Rescue Service 90th Anniversary, the aim is to record as many former and current staff, volunteers, associates, and grateful recipients of the Service, preserving their memories and experiences for years to come. This phase of the project launches this week and anyone associated with the Ambulance Service is encouraged to get in touch and take part.

Kit Hughes, Assistant Curator, Guernsey Museums – “Guernsey Museum has been blown away by the public engagement and support for The Island Memories Project and we’d like to say a huge thank you to all who have taken part so far. This project is a fantastic legacy for islanders to leave for future generations and will ensure their experiences and achievements are not forgotten.

As we move into the second year of the project, we are delighted to partner with Guernsey’s Ambulance Service to commemorate their 90th Anniversary by recording and preserving their story through the people that lived it. They are a pillar of local life that fully deserves recognition for all they do for the Bailiwick and we look forward to working with them in 2026.”

Dean de la Mare, Head of Operations at the Ambulance and Rescue Service said: “We’re excited to be working in partnership with Guernsey Museum to celebrate our 90th anniversary next year. From its early beginning in 1936, through the Occupation years and then into the development of the road ambulance, marine ambulance and rescue services, Ambulance and Rescue has expanded and evolved over the years, in response to the changing needs of the island. We are really keen to hear from people with memories of those early years, people who may have stories of cliff rescues, the diving team or the recompression chamber. St John also pioneered mobile telecommunications in ambulance and radar for sea rescues. We also had the world’s first marine ambulance.

“We have already reached out to some of our retired staff through the St John Fellowship, however we know there are lots of other people who have worked or volunteered for the service over the years – and we’d like to capture their memories too.”

St John took over the running of the ambulance service in 1936, with the first ambulance responding from the Rohais at 5pm on 2nd June 1936.

Guernsey Museums will also be hosting a photography exhibition in Candie Gardens next year to mark the anniversary.

If you would like to participate or know of someone who could contribute to this project, please contact – Guernsey Museum – tel. 226518 or email christopher.hughes@gov.gg

Or Jim Carthcart at St John Ambulance and Rescue Service – email jim.cathcart@stjohn.gg

Mark Mapp, KAM Guernsey’s Chief Ambulance Officer and Chief Executive Officer of the St John Ambulance and Rescue Service has announced his intention to leave his position during 2026.

The announcement is being made now to ensure a planned and structured recruitment process for a successor, and a smooth transition process over the coming months.

Mr Mapp who has been Chief Ambulance Officer since April 2019 said:

“I have decided that the time is right for me to stand down from my role as Chief Ambulance Officer and CEO. The ambulance service is in a strong and stable position and I have chosen to leave at this point, because I want to spend some time with my family before my son embarks on his own career. We are planning some adventures together and I want to enjoy this time while I am still fit and healthy.

“I am proud to have served the island communities in this leadership role for the past seven years, and of the achievements of the ambulance service as a whole, and all the individuals in the team who come to work every day to provide care, compassion and life saving treatment for the sick and injured.”

Mark will continue in his role, providing continuity, stability and guidance during the transitional period while a successor is appointed. The recruitment process will begin in January.  

Mr Mapp added: ”I remain focused on delivering the excellent prehospital service our community has come to expect and I will be working closely with the board to support the Senior Leadership Team and operational staff through this period.”

Chairman of the St John Ambulance and Rescue Service board of directors, Mark de Garis said: “We will be sorry to see Mark leave his role. He has made a significant contribution to the service and the community, dedicating the past seven years to leading the organisation with commitment, resilience and a clear strategic vision. Mark has guided Ambulance and Rescue  through a period of transformation, including the restructuring of the leadership team, increasing the financial stability of the organisation and further developing standards of quality and patient care.

Mr de Garis added: “I am grateful that Mark has given advanced notice, which will allow us to work through the recruitment and appointment process, giving time for a structured transition and handover. The board will continue to support Mark and his team over the coming months to ensure stability and continuity for everyone involved, including the staff and the wider island communities.”

Further updates relating to the recruitment process will be provided at the appropriate time.

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