There are 1,400 of them at the London Marathon, the Albert Hall needs 3,000 of them every year, and they help 150,000

people in London annually.

Who are they? They are members of the St John Ambulance, and they are desperately in need of new recruits.

Volunteers with the service provide first-aid treatment at a massive range of arts, sports and public events every year, from firework displays to the Wimbledon tennis championships. It has more than 57,000 members but is losing volunteers at the rate of eight per cent a year.

Amongst youngsters, the rate is an even more alarming 14 per cent per year.

Commissioner-in-Chief Peter Carver says the future of the charity is uncertain if it continues to lose volunteers at this rate: "The losses experienced year-on-year are unsustainable," he warns. "It is absolutely vital that we attract new volunteers to help in all areas of our work. The only qualification needed is a little spare time."

The charity estimates the service it provides is worth £40m a year at commercial rates. Major public events are required by law to have first aid experts on hand and although football clubs pay St John a small fee, the service is reliant on volunteers giving up their spare time.

Now the charity has launched a recruitment drive, named Project 900 to mark the 900th anniversary of the Order of St John.

Joyce Beak, St John Ambulance's

commissioner in Kent, said: "Requests for our services are increasing and we

certainly need more people who are willing to become uniformed members, to provide first-aid and caring service.

"However, first-aid skills are not the only things we need. In addition to this, there are many other volunteers who work

behind the scenes; our vehicles have to be serviced and our properties maintained."

People are also needed to work in the charity's fundraising shops, drive ambulances and provide food and drink for volunteers at public events.

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