A DALRY teen who sadly passed away after bravely battling a series of life-long conditions, will be honoured by a charity as it launches its annual first aid awards, in recognition of her dedication and lifelong passion for first aid.

Amy Allan, who would now be 15, died at the end of 2018 and she will be remembered by St Andrew’s First Aid as it officially opens a call for nominations for its First Aid Awards which will take place in November in Glasgow.

The charity announced that the Young First Aid Volunteer of the Year Award will be officially renamed the Amy Allan Young Volunteer of the Year Award in her memory.

Amy lived in Dalry with her parents, Leigh and Richard and little brother, Ryan and was the embodiment of the core virtues of a young first aider. The category looks for a person aged between five and 24, who has excelled at learning, teaching, practicing or supporting first aid at an exemplary level – ultimately ensuring that more people can be the difference between life and death.

After trying out several activities such as Brownies and learning the cello, it was attending the first night of the St Andrew’s First Aid Queen Street Youth Cadets in April 2016, that Amy found her real passion. Over the years she spent with the corps, she became a leader, ambassador, friend and mentor to others, helping them to become future lifesavers themselves.

Leigh Allan, Amy’s mum talked fondly of her daughter’s love of first aid. She said: “Unlike other clubs she had been to, the cadets was always a joy and never a chore. She enjoyed every bit of the time she spent with St Andrew’s First Aid and was so fond of the leaders. She met kindred spirits in the other cadets and she loved going to training or attending events.

“She always got involved wherever she could. She wanted to teach others the skills to help save a life and never let her own health struggles get in the way. She loved babies and younger kids and was keen to make sure she knew what to do when she was looking after them, should anything happen.

“She always went out of her way to help others and having first aid was another way for her to be able to do this.

“There was noone who loved life more than she did and I know she is greatly missed by those she has left behind.”

Nominations and further information on the St Andrew’s First Aid First Aid Awards can now be made online by visiting: www.firstaid.org.uk/awards or www.firstaid.org.uk/nominations