An Andover teenager got a ‘Royal’ surprise on the evening of her school leavers’ prom, when she was treated to a VIP close protection experience – something usually reserved for celebs and members of the Royal family.
Jessica Winter (16) and her boyfriend Jamie Ward (15) were collected from home by a professional close protection unit, before being transported to the school. The security detail – the kind typically used by celebrities and other high profile figures – is being provided by Andover security company, Venture Security.
The pair of school leavers were transported in a Range Rover, similar to those favoured by the Royal family. They were be accompanied by two close protection officers, complete with suits, earpieces and dark glasses. Two further officers on motorbikes travelled just ahead of the car, to scout out the area and their arrival point, before they are seen safely inside.
Jessica Winter said “Everyone gets excited by fancy sports cars but to be treated like royalty was a whole different experience. When I saw the car approaching I was shaking with excitement.
“I feel very proud to have a dad that would do something so special for me and Jamie and I’m so thankful to the amazing Venture team for how they treated us during the whole experience. It made the concept of prom even greater for me and Jamie and we are incredibly thankful to everybody who took part in making our evening the best it could be.”
Jessica’s father, Darren Winter, commented: “It’s been a really challenging few years, with so much disruption caused by the pandemic. Despite this, Jessica has absolutely blown us away with her determination and hard work, and the whole family is really proud of her. We wanted to do something extra special as a surprise for her prom and working in the security industry myself, giving her a close protection experience seemed like a unique way to do so.”
Paul Howe, MD, Venture Security: “For Jessica, this will be a school send-off she’ll never forget and we’re delighted to be involved! Our close protection team is used to dealing with some very important people – and none more so than our extra special VIP Jessica.”
Jessica is hoping her GCSE results will put her on course for a place at Winchester University, where she would like to study to become a primary school teacher.
