St John WA has launched a children’s book which is dedicated to telling the true stories of the paramedics, volunteers and staff who answer the call of helping those in need.
Land of Legends gives life to St John WA’s legacy of service and celebrates its heroes, the people who work on the front line, by sharing their stories.
The book aims to educate and inspire the next generation to help others in need and the importance of building strong communities.
Written by local author Deb Fitzpatrick, Land of Legends features 20 true stories from the frontline.
Mrs Fitzpatrick said it contained true stories of community and was a celebration of what makes Western Australia great.
“There hasn't been a single interview I've come away from feeling anything other than just awe of these people,” she said.
“Every single one of them, whether they’re small acts of kindness or really heroic acts that showed great courage in frightening situations, have left me feeling like if I'm ever in trouble, this is the sort of person I want to have come in my door to give me a hand.
“Hopefully people realise just how amazing they are and what they do all day, every day. They are the heroes of the ordinary world.”
The story of Mandurah local Simon Hughes is featured in ‘One Small Step, One Great Leap.’
Mr Hughes has dedicated his life to serving the community, joining St John WA as a 12-year-old cadet.
His 38-years of service includes a monumental moment when he saved a man’s life in Mandurah.
It was 1996 and the first time a defibrillator was deployed by a volunteer paramedic in WA.
Mr Jones said the book is an amazing way to tell the stories that show the diversity of what St John WA does.
"The book hits so many different aspects of what St John WA does and how great its positive impact on society is,” Mr Hughes said.
"If you don't catch these things they disappear, so it's important to immortalise them so they can be passed on to future generations."
Simon Hughes. PIC: St John WA
Aimed at a reading age of 10 and above, the book is written to cover a wide spectrum of readers with parental icons flagging any graphic content.
All proceeds from book sales will go to St John Giving, which supports charitable works of the organisation.
You can learn more about these everyday heroes on www.landoflegends.com.au.
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