Scout, 12, dies after collapsing at Finnish jamboree

A 12-year-old Scout has died after collapsing during an international gathering in Finland.

Charlie Girling, from the 1st Aylesford Scout Group in Kent, died while attending Roihu 2016, the international Finnish jamboree, on Sunday evening.

Simon Carter, spokesman for the Scout Association, said an on-site medical team and paramedics from the local hospital gave the boy immediate treatment but were unable to save him. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of this young Scout during this difficult and challenging time,” he said.

He added: “We will be working with the Finnish Scout movement and the relevant local authorities to establish the full details of this tragic incident.”

Anna Munsterhjelm, chief scout of the Guides and Scouts of Finland, expressed condolences to the boy’s family and friends, adding: “The loss has moved thousands of people.”