Thomas flies flag for ‘scouting at its best’
WHEN Paralympian Tom Hamer began describing the first recipient of a new award for local Scouts, 12-year-old Thomas Mason did not dream it could be him.
Thomas, a member of the Second Rossendale Scouts, carried the flag for his troop in the St George’s Day Parade from Whitaker Park to St Mary’s Church.
The youngster from Weir has had three operations to repair a submucous cleft palate - the last being at age seven, and also has KGB Syndrome, which affects the growth of his bones and his motor skills.
Despite this, the Year 8 Whitworth Community High School pupil did not falter as he shouldered the flag.
He said: “It was heavy, but not too heavy, and it was a bit hectic and I had to keep hold of the end to make sure no one got hurt.”
In church he sat through the service, led by Beavers, Cubs and Scouts from his group and at the end a series of special awards were announced.
Tom Hamer, who won two silver medals for the 200 metres freestyle and individual medley at the Paralympics in Rio, has just been named as a new Scouting Ambassador for Rossendale District.
Announcing the winner of the first St George’s Day Trophy, Tom said: “Despite all his medical problems, he will give everything a go, even though most times he will come last or not be successful.
“He had a major operation when a Beaver to help him talk properly. He was amazing and got ‘Beaver of the Year’.
“Part of his condition means that he is small, but that didn’t stop him volunteering to carry the flag, despite walking far being hard.
“Thomas Mason shows Scouting at his best.”
Thomas said: “At first I didn’t realise he was talking about me and when he said ‘Thomas Mason’ I was really surprised.
“When I was going out to the front, everyone was clapping and it felt good. My mum was crying.
“Scouting is all about having fun, you get to earn badges and get a lot out of it. I am proud to wear my uniform.”
Thomas’ mum Anita, who is a leader with the Second Rossendale Cubs, said: “As a result of his condition, all normal functions are more difficult and he had to learn a way to do them rather than having instinctive knowledge that normal children have.
“Even though most things that he does in Scouting are difficult and he struggles to take part, he loves being a Scout and just wants to be one.”