Congratulations to Ben! Kingsbere Explorers
The Scout Association have just announced their ‘Chief Scout’s Unsung Heroes 2021’. These heroes are twenty young people in Scouts who’ve shown Scout values, kindness, courage and our ‘never give up’ spirit. Amongst the winners this year is one of our Explorers. Congratulations to Ben on being recognised in this way!
Ben met Bear Grylls in Birmingham at the Bear Grylls’ Adventure on Friday, 8 October where he was congratulated on his achievement along with the other winners. The young people, from across the UK, were chosen from hundreds nominated by Scout volunteers, solely on the basis of their story.
‘You guys gathered here today are the pinnacle; the elite,’ Bear told them. ‘We’re all part of the same Scout family, but each of us have different skills, talents. That’s what makes us strong.’
The Unsung Heroes’ achievements were as varied as they were impressive. Some cycled, climbed and travelled hundreds of miles for charity, all going the extra mile to do something amazing. Some achieved their awards despite facing serious illness or losing a close family member, while others were recognised for the calmness and presence of mind dealing with emergencies.
This is Ben’s story:
During the first lockdown Ben camped out every night in an Anderson Shelter that he’d built himself using sheets of corrugated iron from his neighbours. Initially it started out as a project to keep himself occupied while his school was closed. Then, after seeing the dramatic rescue scenes from Durdle Door on the news, he decided to turn the project and camping experience into a fundraising exercise to raise money for Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance. So far Ben has raised over £5,000 (including gift aid) for the charity. Well done to Ben from all the Kingsbere Explorers and Bere Regis Scout Group members on this amazing achievement to help others.
Ben has reopened his fundraising page if you’d like to add to the total and support the Air Ambulance.
https://uk.virginmoneygiving.
