Survival expert Bear praises Paisley Scout Lucy as an inspiration
A young Paisley woman was honoured by celebrity survival expert Bear Grylls at Windsor Castle recently.
The Lord Lieutenant of Berkshire, Mr Andrew Try joined Bear in congratulating Lucy Reddy, 22, on achieving the highest award in Scouting for adventure and skill development, the King’s Scout Award.
Lucy is an assistant cub leader at 30th St Peter’s Scouts and was recently awarded the accolade — the top youth award within Scouts.
She is one of just a handful of people to achieve the accolade this year.
Scouts were also joined by fellow ambassadors Dwayne Fields, Ellie Simmonds and Warwick Davis in front of family and friends for the celebration of their achievement at the royal residence on Sunday, April 21.
The award is presented for outstanding personal achievement in a series of tasks undertaken by Scouts aged between 16 and 25 years old.
The young people have to complete a range of challenges, including service to their community, an expedition in wild country, a five-day residential project in a new environment, developing an existing talent, or learning some new skills to build on what they have already learnt in the Scouts.
For her part, Lucy attended the 24th World Scout Jamboree in America in 2019 and then ran a series of international themed activities for her cub group.
For her skill challenge, Lucy completed a course at school in cake decorating and received an A in her practical exam.
A keen runner, Lucy ran the London Marathon in 2023 for her physical activity challenge and is currently in training for a 50km ultra marathon this month.
Her service requirement was fulfilled when she became assistant cub leader with 30th St
Peter’s.
Lucy and her mum hiked 96 miles along the West Highland Way over five days for the expedition challenge.
And finally, the residential challenge was fulfilled by her time as an assistant unit leader at the World Scout Jamboree in South Korea.
King’s Scout, Lucy said: “I have really focused on gaining my award and it has been such a wonderful journey as a lot of it I already loved doing – I was just able to push myself further.
“I have been on expedition, ran the London Marathon, raising money for charity, and supported my local church and Scout group.
“Being a part of the scouts has really built my confidence – even during my interview to apply for teacher training college I had lots of relevant experience to talk about from working with young people.”
Chief Scout, Bear Grylls said: “I am so proud to celebrate the achievements of the King’s Scouts here today at Windsor.
“Gaining this award is the pinnacle of their Scouting journey.
“Lucy has demonstrated courage and kindness, alongside a true never give up spirit, and shown Scouting values to the highest of standards.
“She has contributed hugely to her community and developed many skills along the way.
“These Scouts are an inspiration to us all due to their commitment, enthusiasm and hard work - I am full of pride for every single one of them.”
Lucy has demonstrated courage and kindness, alongside a true never give up spirit