Ellie Humphries receives top guiding award in recognition of great courage

Ellie Humphries (14) a Guide from Hardwick Guides has been awarded one of the most prestigious awards in guiding – the Star of Merit.

Ellie has craniosynostosis, a condition where the bones of the head are fused together since birth. She also has scoliosis, a curvature of the spine, which gives her a lot of discomfort. She has had many operations throughout her life. On Tuesday 4 December, Ellie received the Star of Merit Award in recognition of the courage and fortitude she has shown.  Ellie has always taken a full part in Guiding activities. She has camped, and joined in all the adventurous activities that girls do at camps. She has been on joint Scout and Guide walking weekends in the Peak District, carrying her rucksack like everyone else even when it was obviously causing her problems.

Her mum, Jane said “Guiding has given Ellie all these opportunities and they are available to all members even if they have health or other problems”.

Guider, Jane Muncey said “If you came into our unit meeting you may not pick out Ellie straight away. She is very bubbly and does not let any of her health problems get in her way – that is what is so lovely about her”.

Ellie has recently been accepted to be part of the Children’s and Young Peoples Advisory Board for the new Children’s Hospital in Cambridge.

The Star of Merit can be awarded to any member of Girlguiding UK between the ages of five and 26 years who have shown great courage and fortitude around a problem or issue. They may also receive the award for recognition of showing initiative and responsibility at an incident.