On the evening of 24 June, all over the country, more than 100 well-known buildings and landmarks were lit up in green in support of national healthcare and first aid charity, St John Ambulance.

24 June is St John’s Day, a focal point of the charity’s annual calendar of activity, when the team of volunteers and staff reflect on the past 12 months and plan for future work in communities around the country. Due to COVID-19, St John has had to mark St John’s Day in different ways from usual, and the ‘Light it Green’ initiative is one way that the country was asked to take part on the day. At the same time, the work of the charity and its volunteers is also being highlighted through a new campaign, ‘Ask Me’, which focuses on many stories that tell of the lives saved and positively changed by first aid and St John.

Fakenham Town Council was delighted to be able to support St John people as they continue to work on the NHS vaccination programme, respond to the pandemic, and start returning to event duties and providing first aid training.

Fakenham Town Mayor Gilly Foortse says:  Fakenham Town Council is delighted to be able to support the St John’s people as they continue to work on the NHS vaccination programme and when they return to event duties and first aid training.   To mark the event the town’s Edward VII lamp will be shining green and bunting will decorate the war memorial fence.   England is a country of volunteers and charities and the St. John’s ambulance is one of which we are all justifiably proud and grateful.

Mick Messinger, Chancellor of the Priory of England and the Islands of the Order of St John, said: “For the second year running, it was wonderful to see so many buildings lit up in green on 24 June to help us celebrate St John’s Day and we’re immensely grateful to the owners and custodians who agreed for this to happen. The contribution and participation of so many people around the country has made St John’s Day 2021 another memorable day and we hope many people will be prompted to ask us how our work has had a positive impact on the lives of others.”

For those who wish to support the charity through fundraising, please go to www.sja.org.uk/greento discover how to Go Green to Save Lives. More detail about St John’s new ‘Ask Me’ campaign can also be found at www.sja.org.uk/ask-me/.