A COMPANY teaching first aid across the Vale of Glamorgan is celebrating its first birthday.

Businesswoman and trainer Jo Duddridge, 38, set-up the Daisy First Aid Cardiff and Vale franchise and in 12 months has seen it expand.

The mum-of-two wanted to put her skills and knowledge as a children's nurse to better use and after struggling with the demands of motherhood and her job decided to set-up the company.

With five-star reviews across the board, Mrs Duddridge, of Campion Place, Cardiff, has taught more than 300 parents, carers, children and child activity leaders, to give them the skills and confidence in carrying out paediatric first aid.

This year, Mrs Duddridge will be expanding the business to include the level three Paediatric First Aid course that is a mandatory qualification for childcare professionals.

She also hopes to offer schools the chance to learn life-saving skills by running classes for children and staff.

Mrs Duddridge said: “I was up for a new employment challenge, something to really push me out of my comfort zone when I came across the Daisy First Aid franchise.

"I was well qualified for it and I could see it would help me to achieve the much sought after work/life balance.

"I get an enormous sense of pride and achievement that I am helping to empower parents and carers.

"Most parents arrange a class at home, or attend any of my regular venue classes because they are about to become a parent or they worry about choking or childhood illnesses such as meningitis.

"I feel lucky to do the job I do, I learn every day and I’m looking forward to expanding my business to reach even more people.”

Class information and first aid tips are available at facebook.com/Daisy-First-Aid-Cardiff-Vale or daisyfirstaid.com