©InfoThey say variety is the spice of life and that’s certainly true for volunteer Dave Luddington, who has gone from first aider to fire support volunteer to delegate in Pakistan within three years.
Dave recently spent a month acting as a Red Cross delegate in flood-hit Pakistan, where 20 million people – equivalent to nearly a third of the UK’s population – have been affected by the crisis.
Dave’s formidable role was to manage the distribution of aid throughout a large region of the country.He recalled: “It was really busy, but the warehouse was well-run and had very good local staff. Over three weeks, we reached more than 10,000 households in remote areas with vital necessities such as food, blankets and tents.
“This was my first time working overseas as a Red Cross delegate. It was a real challenge but very interesting and satisfying.”
Disaster response
Dave first joined the Red Cross three years ago as an event first aid volunteer. After being trained in life-saving skills, he’d regularly go along to public events to provide first aid cover. Then his head was turned by the Red Cross’ unique fire and emergency support service, where volunteers turn out day or night to help people caught up in domestic emergencies, so he signed up for them as well.
But things really changed when Dave took part in the Red Cross’ disaster response challenge, a two-day fundraising event in which participants respond to a hypothetical disaster under the guidance of trained delegates.
Logistics delegate
It was a eureka moment. He said: “I’ve actually worked in warehouse logistics for over 20 years and had no idea that I could use these skills to help the Red Cross in a disaster situation. After taking part in the disaster response challenge, I immediately applied to become a warehouse logistics delegate.”
Eighteen months later, Dave was fully trained and flying out to Pakistan – and now he can’t wait to go back. He said: “I’m looking forward to doing more work as a Red Cross delegate, going out to disaster areas and helping to save lives. It’s so rewarding.”