A KENTON doctor has been awarded the seventh bar to his St John Ambulance service medal, representing 47 years of service with the charity.

In a ceremony at brigade headquarters in Clerkenwell on October 31, Dr Robert Simons, who lives in Sheridan Gardens with his wife, Janet, was presented with his award by Admiral Lord Boyce, its district president, over 50 years after he joined the service as a cadet in Christchurch, New Zealand.

Robert has worked as a consultant anaesthetist with a special interest in intensive therapy at the Royal Free Hospital in Hampstead since 1975, and practises privately at the Clementine Churchill Hospital in Sudbury Hill, Harrow-on-the-Hill.

He is an examining officer at the Royal College of Anaesthetists, but found time to serve as a medical officer in the St John Ambulance Harrow Division for some years, before being appointed deputy district medical officer to the London (Prince of Wales) District.

In this role, he has provided first aid alongside other doctors, nurses and ambulance personnel at major ceremonial and sporting events in the capital, including the London Marathon, where he joins 13,000 other St John volunteers over the 26 mile course.

"My family suffer to a degree because I do a lot of hours," he said. "But it becomes a way of life. Janet is extremely understanding."

In 1992, Robert was appointed as the Queen's Honorary Physician, a unique civilian honour granted to five St John doctors for services rendered in connection with royal duties.

Robert said: "I felt very privileged to get the award, but it represented the work not only of myself, but the work of the other medical staff."

His many years of service have also been acknowledged by promotion in the Order of St John, most recently to Knight of Grace in 200, giving him the chance to meet the Queen on a number of occasions.

"She's a charming lady," he said. "She makes you feel so at ease."