ST JOHN Cymru Wales is urging families to support schoolchildren to become lifesavers by making a donation.

St John Cymru Wales is taking part in the pre-Christmas charity fundraiser The Big Give, which could see any donations doubled by sponsors to help pay for first aid classes in schools.

To make a donation log on to the donation website at 10am on either December 4, 5 or 6. St John Cymru Wales is hoping to raise £12,000 from the charity effort so they can provide as many free first aid sessions.

“St John Cymru Wales is aiming to provide first aid training to thousands of schoolchildren across Wales, creating a new generation of lifesavers,” said Alison Palfrey, director of fundraising.

“We’d like parents and children to help us provide this training by pledging to donate to us during The Big Give, making a lifesaving Christmas gesture.

“With just £20 we can provide training for a group of five children, £60 provides training for a group of 15, and £120 provides training for a full class of 30.

“Our aim is to provide 3,000 free first aid courses to children in Wales - so £12,000 would really help us give important lifesaving skills.

“Only one in five people in Wales have basic first aid skills, so taking part in our two-hour taster sessions are a great way for schoolchildren to learn first aid skills, including emergency numbers and when to use them, the recovery position, CPR and what to do when someone is choking. It will also support our campaign to get a first aider on every street in Wales.”

St John is asking for a minimum pledge of £10. For more details and to donate please visit http://bit.ly/sjbiggive.