A 16-year-old first aid cadet from Rhayader is fundraising to take on a trip-of-a-lifetime to South Africa - competing in the International Cadet Championships (ICC) in January.

Martha Roberts is one of 14 cadets selected from Wales’ leading first aid charity, St John Cymru, chosen after competing across their county to be awarded ‘County Cadet of the Year’.

Cadets like Martha need to raise £1,000 to allow them to travel and take part in the once-in-a-life-time competition, which will be held in January 2020, in Cape Town.

The unique opportunity allows cadets to put their first aid, care, communication and leadership skills to the ultimate test as they compete against other internationally recognised Priories of St John including; St John Ambulance (England), St John New Zealand, St John Canada and St John Hong Kong to name a few.

Previous ICC events have taken place in Australia (2014) and Hong Kong (2017) where Cadets from St John Cymru have placed eighth and sixth respectively.

“I’ve been part of St John Cymru since I was seven, I started as a Badger. One of my proudest achievements so far was when I achieved my ‘Grand Prior Award’, I completed a whole host of tasks encompassing, sports, cooking, first aid, voluntary work and child care over a three year period,” said Martha.

“As the representative for Powys, I would love for us to win! But whatever happens, I’m really looking forward to exciting new experiences and learning more from my peers across the world.

“I can’t wait to make the most of everything this opportunity may bring,” she added.

St John Cymru youth development officer Sam Evans said: “Each year the International Cadet Championships aims to help develop the confidence, self-esteem and cultural diversity awareness for those taking part.

“The once-in-a-lifetime event gives our young lifesavers the opportunity to exchange ideas, best practice and innovations (in relation to first aid and care among young people) and adapt and broaden their understanding of potential opportunities, as a part of St John, as well as in their careers and personal development moving forward,” she added.

If you would like to support Martha you can do so by donating to her Just Giving page.