9:10am Sunday 28th June 2009
By Duncan Eaton
A Southampton mosque made history as a Hampshire teenager stepped up to become a member of the St John Ambulance.
For it was the first time in the United Kingdom that such a religious building had been used for the enrolment of a recruit into the Christian-based first aid charity.
Normally it is a ceremony that is held in a church.
In a break with tradition and in a shining example of religious diversity Southampton’s Medina Mosque was the setting as Sannah Dad, a 15-year-old Muslim from Eastleigh, became the first St John Ambulance cadet to be enrolled in a mosque.
Around 100 guests watched the historic enrolment ceremony which was organised by Sannah’s mum, Zohra, who praised the mosque community for their help and support.
Enrolments normally take place in church but Mrs Dad asked for the official welcome to be conducted in their place of worship.
Harry Dymond, the charity’s former Chief Commissioner Operations, acted as the enrolling officer.
Hampshire’s St John Commander Pat Morris hopes Sannah’s example will encourage more people of all faiths to join the charity.
New world Mrs Morris said: “St John Ambulance opens up a whole new world for its members – particular younger people – and it is wonderful to be welcomed by the Medina Mosque for Sannah’s enrolment.
“First aid and caring for others is central to what we do but we also broaden people’s life experiences through learning new skills, making new friends and activities such as Duke of Edinburgh expeditions.”
The Order of St John, or the Hospitallers, is a religious order founded in Jerusalem in 1099.
In Hampshire there are more than 1,000 members of the charity. Nationally there are more than 23,000 adult members and nearly 20,000 young members who can be seen in their distinctive uniforms helping the public throughout the country on a daily basis.
A pupil at Toynbee School, Chandler’s Ford, Sannah joined St John Ambulance for its fantastic Duke of Edinburgh opportunities and has already given first aid to casualties at public events.
More information is available at sja.org.uk/hampshire.
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