A SOUTHEND woman who has a “true never-give-up spirit” has been honoured by Chief Scout Bear Grylls.

Rebecca Clarke, 26, has become one the last people to win a prestigious Queen’s Scout Award.

She received the accolade at a ceremony at Windsor Castle which also included the Lord Lieutenant of Berkshire, Andrew Try.

The award recognises her achievements in adventure and skill development through the Scouts.

Echo: Award - Rebecca Clarke, at Windsor Castle, was praised for her ‘never-give-up spirit’Award - Rebecca Clarke, at Windsor Castle, was praised for her ‘never-give-up spirit’ (Image: Essex Scouts)

Esteemed Scouts ambassadors Dwayne Fields, Ellie Simmonds and Warwick Davis joined family and friends to mark the occasion.

In acknowledging Rebecca’s award, Bear Grylls said: “I am so proud to celebrate the achievements of the King’s and Queen’s Scouts here today at Windsor.

“Rebecca has demonstrated courage and kindness, alongside a true ‘never-give-up’ spirit, and shown Scouting values to the highest of standards.

“These Scouts are an inspiration to us all due to their commitment, enthusiasm and hard work – I am full of pride for every single one of them.”

The Queen’s Scout Award, now transitioned back to the King’s Scout Award since 2023, signifies the pinnacle of Scouting accomplishments for young individuals aged between 16 and 25.

Echo: Award - Rebecca with her fellow Scouts from EssexAward - Rebecca with her fellow Scouts from Essex (Image: Essex Scouts)

Rebecca, among the last Queen’s Scouts, had to undergo a range of challenges that also entailed serving her community and immersing herself in new environments.

She said: “I’ve had an amazing time on my Queen’s Scout Award.

“I visited the Dominican Republic on an international placement within a hospital maternity unit and it opened my eyes to how different medical care is compared to the UK. It was a steep learning curve.

“I’ve learnt how to skate and taken up ice hockey – which is pretty cool – and now play for Chelmsford.

“The experiences on expeditions and international trips are what has really shaped me, and allowed me first hand to understand how there are cultures very different to ours.”

Over the span of the Queen’s Scout Award’s 71 years, more than 100,000 young men and women were acknowledged for their personal achievements and community service, developing new skills that will carry them into future life and professions.

The annual Windsor Castle event, dating back to 1934, coincides with the closest Sunday to St George’s Day, who is the Patron Saint of Scouting.