County Commissioner presents Star of Merit Award

On Sunday 11th December Camborne District Guides held a special Carol Concert in Camborne Parish Church attended by girls and Leaders from all units. Rainbows, Brownies, Guides and Rangers in the area came along, with family and friends. During this service a very special presentation was made to a Guide called Kathryn Willoughby aged 11 from 1st Praze an Beeble Guides  - she was awarded the Star of Merit which was presented  by Chris Davey, the County Commissioner for Girlguiding Cornwall. This recognition was for her determination and courage for overcoming some very severe health problems. She has a sight condition which leaves her very visually challenged and a rare heart condition which often occurs during the course of her activities but which Kathryn has learned to live and admirably cope with. The Star of Merit is rarely awarded and is the highest recognition in Guiding for girls aged between 8 and 26 who have shown great courage and fortitude in their personal lives.

Kathryn has been a Guide for about eighteen months and she is a talented, clever, and feisty young lady who is always ready to stand up for others and takes leadership roles - within Guiding as Patrol Leader and in her personal life.  She has raised £1,200 for Cornwall Blind Association by taking part in their Stride for Sight sponsored walk along the local tram paths this year. She has participated in youth councils within school and is a great communicator.

 “She always throws herself into a project wholeheartedly and suggests new ideas, and is happy to share her time with others and be supportive.  She is a gifted piano player and a great singer who enjoys sharing her talents and is an inspiration to all the other Guides in the unit. She is a total pleasure to have around and inspires some good debates. She does not let anything stop her even though some days she has been unwell and had to drop out of things she really wanted to take part in – she has a fantastic attitude to life and will have a go at everything.  Well done Kathryn, you are an excellent example for all other Guides,” says Karin Saunders, Guide Leader.