Volunteers awarded Queen's Diamond Jubilee Medal

Buy photos » Arshid Khaliq and Gary Hinks proudly show off their medals. (s)

A PAIR of volunteers have been awarded the prestigious Queen's Diamond Jubilee Medal for their service to the community.

Gary Hinks, from Redditch, and Arshid Khaliq, from Bromsgrove, have volunteered as first responders with West Midlands Ambulance Service for the last seven years. The duo were presented with their medals by Worcestershire NHS for their dedicated and continuous service.

Both are trained to a high standard to provide initial care to patients with serious or life-threatening conditions, including carrying out CPR, while an ambulance is on its way to the scene.

And they are never far away as they work at the Kingfisher Shopping Centre.

Mr Hinks, who is the centre's deputy security manager, said: "Receiving the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal is a real honour. It feels extremely rewarding to have been recognised for my work, though it is a pleasure to give something back to the community and to be able to help in an emergency.”

Mr Khaliq, senior team leader, added: "Being a community first responder and helping such an important organisation has proven very satisfying over the years and this medal is the icing on the cake. I am looking forward to many more years as a volunteer and helping more local people.”

Perminder Dhillon, the centre's general manager, said: "Gary and Arshid truly deserve to be commended for their fantastic work and we are very proud of them both. It is a comfort to know they are part of our team and ready to spring into action if and when needed."

The medal was created to mark The Queen's 60 years on the throne and is awarded to members of the emergency services, armed forces, prison service, Police Community Support Officers and living holders of the Victoria Cross and George Cross.

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