St John Ambulance (SJA) has appointed musician and broadcaster Myleene Klass as its first ever celebrity ambassador.
The charity, founded in 1877, said Klass’s unpaid role would be to drive awareness and encourage more people to learn first aid.
SJA has worked with Klass and other celebrities previously on various projects but this is the first time it has formalised such an arrangement.
“She has been friends with the charity for a number of years and uses her influence to encourage more people to learn first aid as it can be the difference between life and death,” a spokesperson for the charity told Civil Society.
“As someone who supports and believes in the cause, we are delighted to officially formalise the relationship and work more closely with her to co-create impactful campaigns.
“Like many charities, we try our best to promote our work through activity that will be noticed by and will resonate with the public to share important messages.”
The spokesperson said the charity would be open to announcing more celebrity ambassadors in the coming months.
“We see the value in – and appreciate – collaborating with high profile supporters who have an authentic link with the charity, so that work will continue,” they said.
Klass said: “First aid is a hugely important life skill that cannot be underestimated.
“On separate occasions both my daughters have choked. It’s really terrifying, it happens so quickly, and I only knew what to do because I’ve done a first aid course.
“I am delighted to continue my association with St John Ambulance and look forward to working with them on raising awareness of the vital importance of all of us knowing lifesaving first aid.”
