St John's youth leader awarded

DIANA duo...Larysa and Daniel Lotockyj devote at least 20 hours a week to St John Ambulance.

The youth leader of the Rochdale Division of the St John Ambulance has been awarded a prestigious Diana Award.

Daniel Lotockyj was awarded alongside his sister Larysa for their unstinting work with the volunteer first aiders.

18-year old Daniel devotes at least 20 hours a week to the organisation, from training to providing first aid at events such as football matches, summer fairs and concerts.

Daniel has been on duty at European matches at Old Trafford and a Foo Fighters concert at the City of Manchester Stadium. His quick thinking saved the life of someone who was choking at an open air concert in Rochdale and he has been inspired to become a paramedic or work in the health service.

And they have made St John a family affair by following in the footsteps of mum Lorna, who is divisional officer for Oldham, and dad Stefan, an area staff officer for cadets.

The Diana Awards were set up to ensure the memory of the princess is commemorated in a lasting way. They recognise outstanding young people who make selfless contributions to their communities or demonstrate outstanding qualities in overcoming diversity.

Proud mum Lorna said: “To have one person in the family receive the award is pretty special, but having two is quite unique. I am really chuffed.”

The pair will officially receive their awards at a ceremony in Chorlton on 16 April.