What a truly courageous example. Despite having been diagnosed with cancer earlier this year, Scout leader Lorraine Crowther – Akela to the 24 cubs of the 22nd Oxford Sea Scout group – was so determined to stay committed to her cub group that she organised her medical treatment in order to do so.

So often nowadays the philosophy behind the Scouting Movement is either forgotten or used as a source of derision, but what many forget is the movement worldwide boasts more than 40 million members and continues to grow despite being more than a century old.

Indeed, previous members represent an A to Z of unparalleled success and determination – Sir Richard Attenborough, Steven Spielberg, David Beckham, Sir Paul McCartney, Bill Gates, Barack Obama, John Lennon and astronaut Neil Armstrong to name but a few.

Clearly, Lorraine Crowther’s courage and commitment is a brilliant example of what scouting stands for and it’s little wonder then that the Scouting Association has awarded her the Meritorious Award for Conduct of an Exceptionally High Standard.

Typically, Lorraine has, in turn, paid tribute to her group of ‘wonderful children’ by stating “they were a real source of strength”.

Congratulations to Lorraine and full marks to her cubs for reminding us what heroes truly are made of...