Order of St John investitures for Aimee and Dave
27 May 2025
Three people from Guernsey have been invested as Members of the Most Venerable Order of the Hospital of St John of Jerusalem – commonly known as the Order of St John – at a ceremony in London.
Aimee Lihou, Head of Quality and Patient Safety, was recognised for her services to the Ambulance and Rescue, particularly in establishing the new ambulance service in Alderney. Aimee has a long association with St John, having been a youth member and adult volunteer with the charity, before training as a paramedic. Aimee later joined the senior leadership team at the ambulance service in Guernsey, where one of her main responsibilities is overseeing the Alderney operation.
Former ambulance officer, Dave Welbourne was recognised for his years of service to the marine ambulance. Dave served on both Flying Christine II and Flying Christine III, and was instrumental in the design of Flying Christine III. Dave first joined the Ambulance and Rescue service in 1989, later qualifying as a paramedic. He was promoted to the rank of Senior Officer before moving to a new role with St John Training Services.
The ceremony, which took place at the international headquarters of St John in Clerkenwell was also attended by long serving St John Guernsey volunteer Rachael Major, who was also appointed as a Member of the Order, in recognition of her safeguarding work with the St John charity.
Speaking after the investiture, Aimee Lihou said: “It was a very special day, set within the St John Priory Church and a reception at St John’s Gate. Wearing dark green Ambulance & Rescue uniform, I attracted a lot of questions about where I was from, which provided the opportunity to explain the unique offerings of St John in Guernsey.
“Although my appointment was for my work in leading Alderney’s ambulance service out of crisis, I have been involved with St John since eight years of age. Before joining West Midlands Ambulance Service in 2010, much of my time was spent volunteering at public events, participating in first aid competitions and offering time to the Island’s Ambulance Reserve. With such a long connection to the St John organisation, being invested into The Order was a great honour and entirely humbling. I was delighted to share the occasion with other recipients from Guernsey and members of my family.”
Dave Welbourne said: “I was truly honoured to be invested as a member of the Order of St John. It was a surprise when I first heard about the nomination and a real honour to receive this award in recognition of my 40 plus years of service to the Flying Christine, a position that I have always enjoyed and felt passionate about. The ceremony reflected the long history and heritage of St John, and the day felt quite surreal, but it was made more special by being joined by two colleagues from Guernsey.”
The ceremony, which took place at the international headquarters of St John in Clerkenwell was also attended by long serving St John Guernsey volunteer Rachael Major, who was also appointed as a Member of the Order, in recognition of her safeguarding work with the St John charity.
An individual can be admitted to the prestigious Order for outstanding service to St John, in recognition of achievement, notable or selfless service or inspiration and encouragement to others. All appointments are sanctioned by HM King Charles, the Sovereign Head of the organisation. There are five Grades of membership; Member; Officer; Commander; Knight or Dame; and Bailiff or Dame Grand Cross
