The Princess of Wales has praised a cub and scout group in Clitheroe, who raised £14,000 for life-saving defibrillators.
Members of St Mary Magdalene Scout Group climbed Pendle Hill last month, in a challenge they called ‘A Taste of Kilimanjaro’.
The aim of the fundraising event was to raise money to install a defibrillator close to St Mary's Church Hall, where the group meet.
This will enable fellow scout Ashton Barton, who has a complex heart condition which leaves him at high risk of suffering a heart attack, to continue being an active member of the group.
While they initially hoped to raise £4,000 the group has now surpassed the £14,000 mark.
Their efforts have not gone ignored and the group recently received a letter from Catherine, the Princess of Wales.
The letter said: “Working together to support each other and make a positive difference in our communities is exactly what it means to be a Scout.
“You should all be very proud of yourselves for taking part and I am sure that Ashton and his family will be grateful for your efforts.
“This comes with my very best wishes to you all.”
The intrepid team also received a written commendation a few weeks earlier from the 'chief scout' and renown adventurer, Bear Grylls.
Louise Sells, a scout leader at St Mary’s was brought to tears while reading out the letter to the group.
Committee member Derek Russell said: “Louise opened proceedings, whilst fighting back tears of joy, as she read out a letter, she had received only that morning from none other than Princess Catherine.
“She then invited each youngster onto the stage to be presented with a special commemorative pack.
“Climbing Pendle Hill in the cold and dark was a remarkable achievement which captured the imagination and hearts of the people of the Ribble Valley and the scouting movement nationally.”
The group has now raised enough money to buy a second defibrillator to install outside Ashton’s home.
The plan now is to continue fundraising in the hope that more defibrillators and storage cases can be installed around the Ribble Valley, for the benefit of the community.
For further details of how to donate visit St Mary Magdalene Scout Group’s JustGiving page at: www.justgiving.com/campaign/atok
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