A Bermondsey nurse, who helped to ensure the public was safe at Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral, has been recognised with a British Empire Medal.
Peter Hollely has been a volunteer for St John’s Ambulance for 24 years, so he said it is ‘a real honour’ to be noticed for his work.
The 37-year-old senior nurse, who lives in Bermondsey, told us: “I started when I was young as a cadet and went from there. None of my family are in the charity but I wanted to be in public service.”
In his time at St John’s, Peter has been a volunteer nurse, ambulance crew member and operational commander at many major events in London, like Notting Hill Carnival and the Coronation.
He explained: “I basically ensure everyone is safe and gets efficient medical assistance at big events. We are experts in delivering medical provision in crowds.”
Last year, he was in this role for Operation London Bridge – the late Queen’s funeral – and has now received a British Empire Medal (BEM) for his contribution, along with two other volunteers.
Speaking after being awarded his medal at a ceremony at the Tower of London, Peter said: “I lost my mum fourteen years ago but she would be screaming from the rooftops if she was here.
“I am extremely proud and honoured to be the person accepting this award but behind me, there are hundreds of people who helped this plan be delivered.”
Peter is currently Head of Nursing for Acute, Urgent and Emergency Care at Croydon Health Services NHS Trust. He said with his two roles, he splits his time between delivering care on the ground and planning.
For Operation London Bridge, Peter was given leave by the NHS to focus on his role at St John’s.
He then worked across more than thirty treatment centres and coordinated the work of all volunteers, dozens of ambulances, and cycle responder teams.
Peter said he was thanked in person for his work by King Charles III himself, and commented that the King was ‘very warm and welcoming.’
But this wasn’t his first time meeting royalty. “When I was sixteen,” he continued, “I won Cadet of the Year and got to meet Princess Anne. She was an amazing woman.”
He added that he’s looking forward to the Royal garden party next summer, which he said he will be attending with his loving husband.
To find out more about the work of St John’s Ambulance and how you can get involved click here.