Parade honours late St John Ambulance volunteer

A volunteer who gave 67 years of service to St John Ambulance was remembered with a parade and service attended by hundreds of people.

Roger Cook joined St Ambulance in 1957 as an 11-year-old cadet, later becoming divisional superintendent of the Torpoint cadet unit.

Mr Cook, a volunteer up until he died on 24 August, was honoured with a parade which went from his home to St James Church through Torpoint town centre.

Matt Gilchrist, from St John Ambulance, said Mr Cook was the "most genuine guy" he d ever met.

The parade featured fellow volunteers, dignitaries and a corps of drums band.

Mr Gilchrist added: "He was just so nice and so caring.

"The way he was with everyone - he just made sure everyone was at ease and he inspired me to become a paramedic and made sure we all achieved what we needed to and got us where we were.

"Just one of the best guys I know...and a great friend."

Mr Gilchrist said Mr Cook had "dedicated his St John Ambulance career to his cadet unit in Torpoint" - despite opportunities for promotion.

He attended emergencies and saved many lives, Mr Gilchrist added, as well as providing hours of voluntary first aid and training, influencing the lives of "thousands of people".

He added: "Many of his ex cadets have gone to so many different roles in the NHS such as consultants, paramedics, air ambulance paramedics, surgeons and nurses.

"He was known and loved by so many people across the country," Mr Gilchrist added.

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