A HAMPSHIRE British Red Cross volunteer formed part of the civilian contingent at the Armistice Day centenary parade in Whitehall.

Alan Wyn Williams, pictured, from North Baddesley, was just one of eight Red Cross representatives to form part of the civilian services contingent and parade.

He was alongside representatives from the police, fire service, ambulance service, prison service and St John’s Ambulance, as well as those of the armed forces at Sunday’s Cenotaph Parade.

Alan has been involved with Red Cross for more than 25 years, and currently volunteers for the independent living service which supports people recently discharged from hospital in their home recuperation. He also helps lonely and socially isolated people reconnect with communities, and supports refugees and asylum seekers to rebuild their lives in the UK.

He is also a member of the charity’s emergency response team as well as providing humanitarian education in schools across Hampshire.

Alan said: “It was an honour and a privilege to be selected out of so many dedicated and deserving volunteers across the country who provide support to people in crisis every day.

“During the event, I was thinking about the individuals who made the ultimate sacrifice, those survivors who suffered life changing injuries and those ‘then and now’ who step into conflict zones to provide humanitarian aid and save lives around the world.”

British Red Cross marked the centenary since it started supported the sick and wounded in the First World War, and is working with schools to deliver teaching materials about the role of volunteering during the conflict. About 90,000 people volunteered in the First World War, and there were 60 Red Cross auxiliary hospitals operating in Hampshire alone, throughout the war.

Last year, volunteers, including Alan, responded to help those affected by the Manchester Arena, Westminster Bridge and London Bridge attacks, as well as the Grenfell Tower fire.