A BUDDING doctor from Colchester has been handed one the of the highest accolades for first aid a youngster can get. 

Amelia Freeman, nine, has been handed the Deputy Badger of the Year award at the annual St John’s Ambulance Essex ceremony. 

Following in her 11-year-old sister Ella’s footsteps, Amelia has always shown a keen interest in the ambulance service and their young volunteers group. 

Mum Jessie, 43, said: “She watched her older sister Ella win the award in 2022 and wanted to become involved too. 

Deputy - Amelia demonstrated her superb first-aid skillsDeputy - Amelia demonstrated her superb first-aid skills (Image: Jessie Freeman)

“She’s very keen on all things medical and it was just a natural fit for her to join St John’s. 

“I think she would make a great nurse or doctor. She just loves helping people, taking care of them and making sure everyone is alright.” 

At the event, the youngsters from across Essex had to showcase their first aid skills, and their knowledge of the recovery position and lead a team-building activity. 

In 2022, her sister Ella was awarded Badger of the Year for her outstanding kindness.

With only one point difference, Amelia demonstrated how to keep a cool head and was awarded Deputy Badger. 

She received an agitate, a braided rope, which she will get to wear as part of her uniform to denote her special award. 

Despite having two young winners in the family, mum Jessie is even more proud that her girls are learning and perfecting life-saving skills. 

“We are super proud of her,” she said, “It goes to show that young people can be incredibly skilful when it comes to first aid. 

“Amelia doesn’t freak out when it comes to such difficult situations and I think this is really important. It makes me feel at ease when she is with her grandparents.” 

The awards were handed out by Lord Lieutenant Jennifer Tollhurst at the ceremony in Chelmsford on November 23. 

Honour - Lord Lieutenant for Essex, Jennifer Tollhurst, handed out the awards at the ceremonyHonour - Lord Lieutenant for Essex, Jennifer Tollhurst, handed out the awards at the ceremony (Image: Jessie Freeman)

St John’s cadets celebrated their hundredth anniversary in 2022 and the Badgers, the u-11 division, their 35th, continuing the volunteering tradition of the ambulance service, with youngsters like Amelia.