‘Inspirational’ 5-year-old Horsham girl recognised with Girlguiding award

Fern Jacobs has been awarded the County Commissioners Certificate of Appreciation and has continued her Guiding principles throughout lockdown.

Pam Brakes, district commissioner for Chesworth Girlguiding, said: “Prior to the Covid-19 lockdown, Fern worked hard collecting bottle tops for her Helper and Recycling badges, which have been sent to raise funds for a local charity.

“After watching a programme with her family about an elderly man who had spent 20 Christmases alone she felt very sad, so she decided to do something.

“With her dad’s help she visited a care home on Christmas Eve taking a personalised card she had made for all the residents along with a small gift and a hamper for the staff.

“Since the Covid-19 lockdown she has been busy with the help of her Dad and keeping safe, dropping notes to her elderly neighbours asking if they need anything and has cleaned their cars and done some gardening for them.

“Sadly she recently lost her Grandpops in a Covid-19 ward but as her dad says ‘she has kept us going with her fun craziness and her young kindness’.

“At five years of age she is a truly inspirational young girl.”

Despite the lockdown Girlguiding units in Horsham have still been very busy, with virtual meetings on Zoom, Facebook and email.

Badges and activities have been set or sent to families for them to complete, if they so wish.

However, more volunteers are needed as they are short within all age groups in Horsham.

Pam said: “If it is something you think you might be able to help us with, please do go onto the Girlguiding National Database to register your interest and someone from Horsham, nearest to your postcode, will contact you.”

For more information, visit www.girlguiding.org.uk

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