A HEREFORD girl guide has been awarded the charity’s ultimate accolade – the Queen’s Guide Award – for her exceptional leadership skills and community work.
Emily Fish, the leader of the 16th Hereford Rainbows, was presented with the award by chief Guide Gill Slocombe at a ceremony at Goldsmiths' Hall in London.
The award is open to women in guiding aged 16 to 25, and sets members a series of challenges.
These include embarking on a four-day expedition and overseeing community action project.
Entrants are also expected to spend a year learning a new skill.
Emily, aged 25, took up ballet and self-defence as well as completing a trek through the Brecon Beacons.
The optical assistant at BBR Optometry in Hereford, said: “I was worried I would not be able to complete the trek, and that I would not be fit enough – especially as I had to carry all my kit.
"But the girls in my group and the leaders all made sure I made it to the finish line.
“Working toward the award has given me opportunities I would not have had otherwise.
"It has given me more focus and determination in life and helped me to meet new people and friends.”
Chief Guide Gill Slocombe, said: “The Queen’s Guide Award embodies all that is best about guiding.
"The adventures that recipients experience, the skills they learn and the friendships and confidence they build will last a lifetime and prove immensely valuable as they pursue their goals in life.
“This challenge has helped them become confident, skilled, self-reliant young women ready to make a positive difference to the world around them, and I have no doubt that they will.”
Emily joins an impressive list of former Queen’s Guide Award recipients including BBC journalist Kate Silverton.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here