Christmas is a special time for giving and there is nothing greater than giving the gift of life. Twelve young people have courageously put the skills that they have learnt in Scouting into dramatic effect to celebrate their own Twelve Days of Christmas. One of those 12 is 8-year-old Kerena Smith, a Cub at 14th Eastleigh.
Kerena with her Brother Ben and Father, Steve
These young people acted out of instinct and put themselves at risk in order to save the lives of others around them. At a time where we get so caught up in finding the perfect gift, these Scouts from across the UK, have done just that without any thought or hesitation and without having to step foot on Oxford Street! Isn’t this what Christmas is really all about?
Kerena Smith, an 8 year old Cub Scout, from Eastleigh was one of many to have been given a special award by The Scout Association. She showed huge maturity following the tragic death of her mother through cancer. Shortly before her mother died, Kerena cared for her 5 year old brother, Ben, keeping him occupied and entertained him, leaving her parents to spend time together.
Kerena’s father, Steve, said “Kerena has shown a great deal of bravery as she keeps our family life as normal as possible, especially for her younger brother. She is a bright and happy girl, and maintains a really positive outlook on life.”
Other Scouts honoured by The Scout Association include 14 year old Hannah Walker from Sheerness, Kent. Hannah was with her school friends taking her GCSE exams in her school gym when a ceiling vent fell on top of her fellow pupils. She pushed one of them out of the way, but sustained head and back injuries in the process. Despite her own injuries, all she thought about was caring about her friends who were injured and one who was unconscious.
Hannah said “It was a very windy day and that caused the accident. I just acted out of instinct and I was determined to help my friends. I never realised until later that I was injured as well”.
Chief Scout, Bear Grylls said “These Scouts have shown great bravery and their acts are an inspiration to many. Scouts train for these moments. I am so proud that when it mattered they showed great Scouting spirit.”
The full list of 12 recipients of these special Scout Bravery Awards are:
* Damian Coles, 13, a Scout from Stevenage, Hertfordshire
* Hannah Walker, 14, a Scout from Sheerness, Kent
* Andrew Hunt, 17, an Explorer Scout from Deal in Kent
* Mike Davis, 36, a Scout Leader from Grange-over-Sands, Cumbria
* Kerena Smith, an 8 year old Cub Scout, from Eastleigh, Hampshire
* Kirstie Greenslade, 17, an Explorer Scout from Broadstairs, Kent
* Robert Marsh, 11, a Scout from Watford, Hertfordshire
* Stephen Marshall, 10, a Cub Scout from Great Dunmow, Essex
* Mark Rosevear, 24, a Scout Leader from Penryn, Cornwall
* Joseph Slade, 14, a Scout from Didcot, Oxfordshire
* Shane Tew, 10, a Cub Scout from Crewe, Cheshire
* Caroline Colclough, 17, an Explorer Scout from Luton, Bedfordshire
