BIG-HEARTED Journal readers are already responding to the St John Ambulance appeal launched last week.

Cheques donating money towards the appeal to replace the Evesham brigade's worn-out ambulance have started arriving at our offices in Briar Close and will be forwarded to the team.

But there's a long way to go and every penny will count.

This week we want to introduce readers to some of the volunteers who devote their spare time on duty at events all over the Vale patching us up after accidents.

Marjorie Hill from Offenham has saved quite a few lives during the 30 years she has been involved in St John.

She and Beryl Coles from Evesham currently operate an escort service for disabled people at The Splash Club every Friday evening.

Mrs Hill, who works at Cedar Lodge Rest Home in Offenham,, said: "I got interested in first aid by taking an exam at work. I'll always remember one night years ago when I was off-duty at a dance in Offenham.

"A young man in the band had an electric shock. He had no pulse and I gave him mouth-to-mouth resuscitation until the paramedics arrived."

Over the years Mrs Hill has attended countless local events and dealt with a huge variety of accidents. She now takes great pleasure in being on hand in case of an emergency at Evesham Leisure, helping people of all ages in and out of the pool.

At the other end of the scale there's 16-year-old cadet Michelle Dickens who, after just three years service, is already proving her worth.

Evesham High School pupil, Michelle, whose ambition is to be a paramedic, is currently helping the younger cadets with their training.

Now she's passed her First Aid at Work examination, she can't wait to become an adult member after her 17th birthday in September.

Michelle said: "I like helping people - It's great to go out and make a difference."

For South African Kevin Raath, aged 36, volunteering with the brigade is a way to keep in touch with skills gained as a paramedic in South Africa and Zimbabwe.

Now working at evesham.com he reckons he has saved the lives of about 200 people and says you can't beat the buzz that comes with each life saved.

Mr Raath was recently nominated employee of the month at work when he attended a colleague who had collapsed.

If you want to organise a fund-raising event for the appeal contact reporter Pat Smith on 01386 765678 so that we can give you as much publicity as possible. Donations should be made payable to St John Ambulance, Evesham c/o St John appeal, The Journal, Briar Close, Evesham WR11 4JT.