Catherine's tireless work leads to honour

ENTHUSIASM: Catherine Brazendale has been made a Member of the Order of St John. PHOTO/LYNDA FERINGA

During her work for St John, Catherine Brazendale has visited Jerusalem, delivered a baby and saved many lives.

In recognition of her service, she is to be invested as a Member of the Order of St John alongside fellow Wairarapa woman Catherine Trass.

It is an extremely rewarding career, says Miss Brazendale, the area secretary for Carterton St John.

"It's a great honour to be recognised for all your service you put into the organisation."

Miss Brazendale has been involved in St John since she was 11, starting out with the Greytown St John volunteers.

Since then, she has gained a raft of experience

In 2007, she went to Jerusalem to celebrate 125 years of the St John of Jerusalem Eye Hospital.

Three years ago, she delivered a baby which decided it wanted to be born before getting to the hospital.

"It felt amazing to see new life into the world and to be able to help them both."

Miss Brazendale originally worked as an ambulance officer covering Carterton and has worked some long shifts, including some of 108 hours a week.

But it has been satisfying being able to help people, she says, like the occasion in March she revived someone who had collapsed at the Wairarapa Wines Harvest Festival.

Working for St John seems to run in the blood: her mother, Elaine Brazendale, was also made a Member of the Order and previously a leader of the Youth Division. Her niece has also joined the organisation.

Miss Brazendale will be invested at an official ceremony in Auckland next year.