CHIEF Scout Dwayne Fields celebrated the achievements of a young Wokingham Scout at a ceremony in London.
Harry Peksa, 11, received an award at the Scouts’ headquarters in the capital’s Gilwell Park.
Presenting the Scouts’ Unsung Heroes Award to young people who represent the best in their community for acts of outstanding bravery and selflessness, the Chief Scout was moved by the inspiring personal stories of the winners.
Just 20 young Scouts were selected from more than 100 nominations – out of 475,000 Scouts in the UK.
The group of remarkable young people had between them helped to save eight lives, support others at times when they needed it most, spent countless hours volunteering in the community, and raised approximately £56,000 for charitable causes personal to them.
Harry raised money for wildlife hospital Tiggywinkles, by cycling from Lands End to John O’Groats in 2022.
In 2023, he rode from John O’Groats to Lands End.
And wanting a further challenge, in 2024 he rode from Lands End to John O’Groats and back.
The round trip exceeded 2400 miles and took him and his dad, Nick, four weeks to complete.
Dwayne Fields congratulated all the award winners for their acts of courage and selflessness in the community.
“Being part of the Scouts provides young people with skills they take with them through life, and the stories of these young people represent the highest form of Scouting values,” he said.
“I want to thank you for your dedication, and celebrate what is a truly outstanding achievement.”
Referring to the Wokingham Scout, he said: “I bow down to Harry for his commitment, endeavour and enthusiasm he showed in cycling from Lands End to John O’Groats and back again.”
The Unsung Heroes Award is a coveted personal achievement which recognises the skills and endeavours of young people across the Scouts community – from Squirrels, Beavers, Cubs, Scouts, Explorers and people in the Scout Network.
Ranging in age from five to 20, the winners were nominated by Scout volunteers for their outstanding bravery and leadership in the community, showing skills and qualities which are learned by being part of the Scouts and subsequently taken through life.
Winners were chosen by an experienced panel of Scout Ambassadors led by the Chief Scout.
Harry said that it was very ‘cool’ to meet Dwayne and to receive the award from him.
”It was great to have a chat with him,” he said, “and to hear about what the other winners of the award had done – they are all inspirations.”
Mum Louise, dad Nick and brother Charlie said, “We’re so proud of Harry and what he has done to raise money for Tiggywinkles.”
Friends, families and Scouts joined together to watch the outstanding young people receive their Scouts awards.
The inspiring stories of what they had been doing to serve others demonstrate the true spirit of Scouting and show why they all deserve the title of Unsung Hero.
For information, visit: scouts.org.uk and sttiggywinkles.org.uk
