At DTM Legal, we are proud to spotlight our team members who dedicate their time and energy to causes that make a real difference in the community. This time, we’re celebrating Gena Pickering, our Quality & Risk Manager, for her incredible work as a volunteer with St John Ambulance (SJA) and her ongoing commitment to supporting large-scale cycling events across the UK.
From First Aid to Frontline Events
Gena wears many hats when volunteering. As an Emergency Responder with St John Ambulance, she provides advanced first aid cover at both local and national events, ensuring the safety and wellbeing of attendees. She also takes on the role of “Tour Maker” at major cycling events, handling everything from athlete logistics to crowd engagement and parking team buses (often in very tight and crowded spaces!).
Her journey into volunteering was inspired by family: “My mum and brother used to volunteer with St John when I was younger, so I grew up knowing how to do first aid,” Gena explains. This early exposure led to her becoming a first aid trainer through GirlGuiding, before focusing on further developing her first aid skills with SJA.
As for her passion for cycling? “My family are big fans. I saw a post asking for volunteers and thought it would be a great way to learn more about the sport.”
A Longstanding Commitment
Gena has been volunteering with St John Ambulance for three years, though her experience in first aid spans close to 30 years. She’s been a cycling Tour Maker since 2012, first getting involved after experiencing the excitement of the Tour de France in Belgium and the Olympic Road Race in Surrey.
Between events like local fairs, bonfire nights, the Tour of Britain, and national sporting events, Gena volunteers over 100 hours a year. “It never feels like a burden,” she says. “I attend so many events anyway— Tour of Britain cycling, lower league football matches, Pride, local music festivals, and village fairs —that it just made sense to help make them possible for others too.”
A Moment to Remember
Of the many unforgettable experiences volunteering has brought, one stands out. During the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham 2022, Gena took part in the dress rehearsal of the opening ceremony, stepping in as an athlete flag bearer for St Vincent and the Grenadines. “We were some of the first people to see Ozzy, the huge mechanical bull, up close. It was such an amazing experience, and I can only imagine how emotional it must have been for the athletes.”
She also recalls moments of real sportsmanship: “At the Commonwealth Road Race, one rider had issues with his pedals, and another team loaned him a replacement set—each pedal cost more than the rest of his kit combined! He didn’t finish the race, but it was an act of genuine kindness that really captured the spirit of the Games.”
Why It Matters
Gena is modest about her achievements, but the impact of her volunteering is clear. “So many great events couldn’t happen without volunteers, whether that’s providing first aid, directing visitors at historic sites, or helping at a Guide camp. When lots of people make small contributions, it soon adds up.”
And it’s not just about helping others. Volunteering has brought personal growth too. “I’m not a confident person, but working in small teams and learning from experienced volunteers has shown me that I can do hard things. I can stay calm under pressure and step outside my comfort zone.”
Her Advice to Others
Thinking about volunteering, but not sure where to start? Gena’s advice is simple: “If you see someone doing something that interests you, talk to them! Most volunteers are happy to share their experience. Start small, see what fits with your schedule, and remember that even a few hours can make a massive difference.”
And the best part? “Lots of cake! It’s the staple currency in lieu of wages.”
Want to get involved?
- St John Ambulance:
Volunteer: sja.org.uk/get-involved
Donate: sja.org.uk/donate - Cycling Events:
Register your interest: britishcycling.org.uk/volunteeratevents
