making muscle wasting history

Cub of the Year 2010 Winner
15 December 2010

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Our Son today was awarded the Croch Valley District Cut Scouts Cub of the year.

This came as a very very big surprise to Amanda and Myself and just goes to show how much our son is a fighter.

I citation that was read out by the AKELA that evening sums up all little boys with this illness.

CUB OF THE YEAR CITATION:

This year I am nominating a very special Cub. This young lad has shown all the qualities that I think a good Cub should have.
He is constantly smiling and always full of the joys of Scouting. I can’t think of a time that I have ever seen him moan or be sad and he always shows a friendly kindly nature and is willing to give his all to a task. He has never said no to a challenge and has been a member of several of the teams that we have entered in the District colours competition.
When we had a giant litter Clean in Canewdon this little guy was there – walking up and down for a couple of hours helping clear his neighbourhood up. When we did the Canewdon to Ashingdon hike – this little guy was there – admittedly at the rear of the group – but still smiling and keeping up the chatter. When we entered a team for the Tag Rugby competition – yes you guessed it he was there – he didn’t score a try but that didn’t matter – he enjoyed the game and gave it his all. When we played Dodge ball against Ashingdon he took a pounding just like all the others – not as quick as some he seemed to take a few more knocks than most to be quite honest!
Even on a weekly basis he can be found enjoying and joining in all the run around activities we do. Family camp saw him trying out all the activities and walking miles up and down Thriftwood lanes to even get there and show how much fun Cub Scouting can be.
So you are thinking – well what’s so special about this lad – as you must be thinking that I have just described the average have a go cub…..
Well …. Leon has Muscular Dystrophy and has a problem with every day activities such as walking or running. His parents are brilliant and always attend long active events with his wheelchair in toe – but you know what – Leon just never gives in and often the wheelchair is used for carrying his gear and his coat. He struggles to get up and down from the floor and has a real problem standing up but once he is going there is just no stopping him!
Leon is a real inspiration to all the leaders and Cubs alike. If ever there was a Cub that ‘Did their Best’ he is a shining example. He never ever moans about anything and to be quite honest he is so good at mucking in that we often forget that he has a problem at all. On walks he will always be at the back – by a long way sometimes – but he wants to walk and does so with a happy cheerful smile – he never asks for special help. He is an independent spirit that has a smile that would light the room. As time goes on and things get harder for him he seems to get brighter and more determined to be the best he can be. I am honoured to have met such an outstanding young lad – and when I am feeling sorry for myself or miserable I often think of Leon and give myself a good kick up the bottom!
I really do feel that Leon is a super Cub and despite all that life has thrown him he lives life to the full and seizes every minute with both hands and squeezes every drop of laughter out of it – well done Leon – you are our super Cub and an inspiration to us all
- akela

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