A VOLUNTEER from Weymouth has helped St John Ambulance celebrate 125 years of first aid.

Rex Purchase, 75, of Chickerell, has featured in a nationwide online project to commemorate the anniversary after 67 years of service.

He is one of two volunteers from Dorset, along with Sue Sieger from Poole, to share stories online to demonstrate the importance of St John Ambulance.

The project combines stories by 125 people from 1887 to the present day.

Rex Purchase, president of the charity’s Weymouth division, said: “I would like to think there is someone who would be grateful for my services over the years.

“It was really nice to be asked to get involved and to be recognised.

“I joined St John as a cadet and over the years I have treated many, many people.

“The thing is I feel really lucky to have been doing it for so long. I am one of many volunteers though.”

He served as divisional officer of the Cadets in 1974 and Superintendent in 1977 and trained and treated many people, largely in Weymouth but also throughout the county.

Sue Killen, chief executive of St John Ambulance, said: “This is a huge landmark for us as an organisation. I’m proud that we’ll be celebrating 125 years with the stories of those who have been instrumental in saving lives.”

The many stories told by Mr Purchase include two choking incidents with children, many road accidents, some serious, and how he helped resuscitate a man who suffered a cardiac arrest.

In a bulging ring-binder Mr Purchase has collected his certificates, awards and photographs from his time with the group.

He has received medals for his years of service, was made a serving brother in the 1970s and was sworn into the Order of St John.

Mr Purchase worked at Dorset County Hospital’s A&E department on Satur-day nights for nearly 20 years.

In 1983 Mr Purchase was made an officer’s brother, a royal order of chivalry of a similar level to an OBE.

Mr Purchase, who retired from his work for the MoD on Portland, continues to dedicate his time to St John Ambulance.

St John Ambulance’s current 40,000 volunteers have been instrumental in saving lives.

To view the accounts go to sja.org.uk/125voices or visit a exhibition at the Priory Church of St John in London until September 29, between 10am and 5pm Monday to Friday.