A NORTH Wales first aid volunteer will receive his British Empire Medal (BEM) at a presentation this today.

Glyn Thomas will receive his award for services to pre-hospital care in North Wales (Caergwrle and Wrexham).

Mr Thomas has served St John Cymru for more than 45 years, undertaking various roles including regional defibrillator controller and assistant commissioner (Wrexham).

He has held his current role of county paramedic officer for North Wales since 2015 and has recently become the acting divisional member in charge at St John Cymru Wrexham.

Mr Thomas was nominated for his award by his former employer, Welsh Ambulance Service NHS Trust, after demonstrating his commitment to advancing pre-hospital care.

His career with the Ambulance Service began in 1974 and progressed to become was one of the first qualified paramedics in Wales.

Mr Thomas has been instrumental in advancing the care provided by ambulance staff in the ever-changing emergency pre-hospital environment.

Acting CEO for St John Cymru, Helen Smith, said: “Glyn is a truly exceptional volunteer and we’re absolutely delighted he is being recognised for everything he’s done to help improve services across Wales.”

St John Cymru is Wales' leading first aid charity and teaches people first aid so that they can be the difference between a life lost and a life saved.

The charity provides emergency first aid and medical cover at events, as well as transporting patients to and from hospital to support the Welsh Ambulance Service.

To find out more about St John Cymru, visit: https://stjohnwales.org.uk/