The 16th January 2014 saw Scouts, leaders, friends and family gathered at the Spinnaker Tower to see Victoria Edwards receive the Cornwall Scout Badge, the highest honour which can be bestowed upon a Scout. But then again Victoria is no ordinary 14 year old girl!
3½ years ago Victoria suffered a stroke, an affliction associated with older folk and not a then 11 year old girl! Left partially paralysed (she is unable to use her left arm) and partially sighted in both eyes Victoria spent the following 5½ months in hospital and a further period of time in rehabilitation.
Victoria has also been diagnosed as suffering from a brain tumour. But despite all this Victoria has faced these challenges with immense courage, and with great support from her parents, overcame the barriers which her disabilities presented to lead a full and active life.
The evening was planned with Victoria knowing that she would be receiving an award but with no idea of which award. She was interviewed by Adam Jolley, County Scout Commissioner for Hampshire, who asked Victoria what she liked about Scouting, her reply … “I enjoy camping, being outdoors and being with friends†and on the current thorny camping issue of “Muddy or Sunny†Victoria felt that “camping is nice in the sun but it wouldn’t be fun without it being muddy!†Adam outlined how Victoria had achieved her Gold Chief Scouts award which included helping others, learning new skills and undertaking an expedition including hiking and camping. These are activities which are challenging for fully able young people but Victoria has achieved this all despite the problems she has faced! Victoria has also almost finished her platinum award and is already working on her diamond award. These are tied in with the Duke of Edinburgh Bronze and Silver awards.
Victoria is such an active girl she also sings with the Urban Vocal Group (based in Havant), she goes horse riding, and sailing with Langstone Sailability in Langstone Harbour. All of this in her spare time – outside of all her scouting activities. In addition to all this activity Victoria received acclaim for her awarding winning design of a one handed draughtsman’s table, in the National Science and Engineering “Big Bang†Competition in 2012.
Adam then introduced Matt Hyde, the Chief Executive of Scouting, who surprised Victoria with the presentation of the Cornwall Badge, an extremely rare award (in 2013 then were 4 badges presented across a youth membership of 480,000! Matt explained how special the award is and gave an insight into its history. In addition to the Cornwell Scout Badge, Victoria received a framed citation personally signed by Chief Scout Bear Grylls; which received its own very special hug.
Victoria is an inspiring example of how young people, with the encouragement and support, can face the challenge of adversity and overcome it.
Victoria can now look forward to meeting Bear Grylls in person at the annual St Georges’ Day parade in Windsor Castle in April, let’s hope it’s sunny not muddy!
Scouting is open to girls and boys from 6 years to 18 years old, new members both young and old are always welcome. There are great volunteering opportunities for adults who are interested in becoming involved in working with young people. The work is rewarding and at times demanding, however there are moments of pure inspiration and a lot of fun
Contact Tim Pike, Havant District Commissioner via our website at http://www.havantscouts.org.uk
The Cornwell Scout Badge
The Cornwell Scout Badge is awarded in respect of pre-eminently high character and devotion to duty, together with great courage and endurance.
It is restricted to Beaver Scouts, Cub Scouts, Scouts, Explorer Scouts and Scout Network Members. Both the bronze badge and the cloth emblem of the same design may be worn.
John 'Jack' Travers Cornwell, a Scout in the St. Mary’s Mission Group, Manor Park, London, entered the Royal Navy in 1915. It was wartime and training was brief, but Jack, helped by his days in Scouting, was able to adapt quickly.
On 31 May 1916 while serving in HMS Chester, Jack was struck by a shell splinter. Grievously wounded, he stayed at his post awaiting orders until he was relieved at the end of the battle. On reaching port, Jack was transferred to a hospital in Grimsby and three days later he died a national hero.
For gallantry he was given both the Victoria Cross and the highest Scouting award, the Bronze Cross. To commemorate the courage shown by Jack, The Scout Association created ‘The Cornwell Scout Badge’ in his memory. In 2013 there were 4 awards of the Cornwall Badge.
Scouting UK has a current membership of over 500,000 young people and adults. Scouting is the UK's biggest mixed youth organisation. We change lives by offering 6- to 25-year-olds fun and challenging activities, unique experiences, everyday adventure and the chance to help others so that we make a positive impact in communities.