Press Releases Archive

24/04/2005

Brave Scouts Honoured for their Heroism

Hundreds of Queen’s Scouts attended the annual St George’s Day Parade at Windsor Castle on Sunday, 24 th April 2004. The review was taken by newly appointed Chief Scout, Peter Duncan. This was Peter’s first St George’s Day Parade at Chief Scout. The Rt Hon The Earl of Airlie KT GCVO PC, representing Her Majesty The Queen, and Patron of The Scout Association, was also present.

The Queen’s Scout Award is the highest award which is presented for personal achievement within the Movement and gained only by those showing the highest level of personal commitment. Holders, usually aged between 16 and 25, are those who have demonstrated exceptional standards of self-discipline and achievement in community service, activities and interests.

Recognition is also given to young people from all Sections of Scouting who have received a Scout Award for Gallantry or for Meritorious Conduct. Some have been recognised for acts of heroism, while others have been acknowledged for their courage during illness.

10 year old Cub Scout, Luke Gower, from Hereford & Worcester, (see attached picture), was presented with a Meritorious Conduct award when dealing with an emergency medical situation at home by contacting the emergency services and dealing with the situation.

Scout, Ryan Manthorpe, 15, from Suffolk, was awarded the Certificate of Meritorious Conduct for his heroic act. On the way to go fishing, Ryan noticed that his Grandfather had fallen unconscious at the wheel while driving. Calmly, Ryan took control of the steering wheel and safely applied the parking brake on the side of the road. A passer-by offered her help while Ryan ran to call an ambulance. He credits his knowledge of first aid to his experiences with Scouting.

In another brave rescue, Explorer Scout, Martyn Compton, 16, from Derbyshire, used his Scouting kayaking skills to save the life of a young boy who had drifted beyond his depths at Sea Palling. Martyn paddled out to the boy and hauled him on to the forward deck of his kayak and brought him safely to shore. Martyn received the Gilt Cross Gallantry Award.

Scout, Kirsty West, aged 12, and her 10 year old Cub Scout sister Samantha, aged 10, from Gwent were presented with a Meritorious Conduct award for an emergency medical situation by saving their mother who had collapsed at home. They put into practice the first aid training they had been given at Scouts.

The annual St George’s Day Parade at Windsor is always held on the nearest Sunday to St George’s Day in honour of the Patron Saint of the Scout Movement. The tradition of this Parade and Service began in 1934 and since then thousands of young people have celebrated their achievement and renewed their Scout Promise under the leadership of the Chief Scout. The Scouts who gather at Windsor are part of the UK’s largest mixed youth Movement, which boasts some half a million members.

For further information, contact Assistant Director of Communications Simon Carter on 07889 130812 or Deputy PR Officer Chris Foster on 07889 804726.