First Aid award for long-serving lollipop lady

A Rochdale Borough Council lollipop lady who has helped three generations of schoolchildren to safely cross the area’s roads has been honoured by St John Ambulance for her 20 years dedicated first aid support.

Eileen Taylor, who has worked as a lollipop lady since 1983, was made a Serving Sister as recognition for her years of loyal service at an award ceremony at the St John Ambulance headquarters in London and said: “I do a lot of charity work because you get to meet a lot of different people from all walks of life.

“It’s an honour to become a Serving Sister as it’s a thank you for all the years I’ve given to the service.

“Being a trained First Aider I get the peace of mind through my knowledge that I am not going to crumble when something does happen and that I can take control of the situation.

“I think everybody should know the basics of first aid and that it should even be compulsory for children on the National Curriculum. It does save lives as you can step in until the emergency services arrive.”

Community stalwart Eileen, who is also a member of Rochdale Lions Club, took on the mantle of lollipop lady as the hours gave her time to spend with her son as he grew up and to commit to her charity work.

Eileen, 54, currently patrols near St Andrew’s Primary School in Wardle, but has also worked in Middleton and Smallbridge. Thanks to her safe guidance the children in her care have never been involved in a road accident.

She joined St John Ambulance 20 years ago after her son Lee, now 31, decided to volunteer for the organisation and is now vice president of the Rochdale branch. As a qualified First Aider she has assisted at many public events around Rochdale borough including football matches and community festivals.