Cumbria Army Cadets are delighted to announce that Cadet Tamara Telford from Cleator Moor, Cumbria has been awarded the Order of Mercy Foundation Medal for Distinguished Service for Cadets in recognition of her outstanding contribution to her community and in particular her actions in providing life-saving first aid in her community. Only five of these medals are awarded each year, and Cumbria ACF are extremely proud of Cadet Telford for being recognised for her quick thinking, bravery and actions which led to her being awarded this honour.
Tamara is 17 years old, and lives in Cleator Moor with her family.
Tamara joined the ACF in September 2016, rising to the rank of Corporal in 2019.
Throughout this time, Tamara has given devoted service to the community despite great personal hardship for over five years. Tamara has regularly volunteered within her local community of Cleator Moor.
She is part of the Exchange Corner community action group, where she has brought together different groups to socialise and have purpose where previously they would stay at home alone. The Knit and Natter group has enabled people to create blankets in their community to gift to those in need. She also mentors the younger teens and children, giving guidance and setting a positive example to those she meets in the town.
In support of the recommendation for this award, Michelle Denwood, of ‘Cleator Caring Moor’
“Her enthusiasm and respect, shown to the residents of this town has shown her to be a role model to other young people. She helped to decorate the town in preparation for Remembrance Weekend 2021, setting the example to others in support of veterans and their families. Tamara makes every effort to support the older and younger generations in her local community, highlighting their needs to the charity group and ensuring those needs are addressed by their work. This includes helping pensioners, veterans, Her volunteer role within this project has been collecting and sorting of goods and then delivering those out to families in need, reaching along the whole west coast of Cumbria. This can build up to 20 hours volunteering a week through December and more over the days leading up to and over Christmas.”
On 11 May 2020, Tamara was faced with a terrifying incident where a local man had injured himself due to mental ill health. He had cut himself on the neck multiple times with a razor blade. As she approached, she saw a woman crying as several adults just continued to walk past. It was at that point she saw the man in need of immediate help due to the serious injuries he had sustained.
Tamara at first was unnerved as the injuries were very severe, but because of the first aid training she had received while in the Army Cadets she immediately took control and started to administer first aid while reassuring the casualty. Tamara applied direct pressure with large wads of tissues to stem the bleeding and when the paramedics arrived she was asked to continue applying direct pressure until they were ready to take him to hospital. She acted with integrity and courage to do her best for this person, potentially placing herself at risk.
“Tamara’s volunteering efforts within her local area are outstanding and promote the kindness and hard work our younger generation put into their communities. We felt it was right that she be acknowledged for her integrity, courage and selfless commitment, being integral to the values upheld within the Army Cadets. We are very proud and pleased that she has been recognised nationally for her efforts.” Lt Col Diss, Deputy Commandant, Cumbria ACF.
