Adventurer Bear Grylls has sent a personal video tribute to a popular Scout leader who has been diagnosed with terminal cancer.
Tragic Lynn Mauger, 47, is in a hospice receiving end-of-life care after her devastating diagnosis just five weeks ago.
Bear – who is Britain’s Chief Scout – has awarded her the prestigious Medal for Meritorious Conduct in recognition of the huge impact she has made.
His citation says: “In recognition of her dedication to Scouting despite coping with a progressive health condition, her commitment to others in Scouting is truly inspirational and displays her great strength of character.”
In an accompanying video message the writer and TV presenter says: “You are in our thoughts, you are in our prayers. What an incredible lady you are.
“You have given so much to Scouting; myself and all of the worldwide Scouting family are thinking and praying for you.
“We are all full of admiration for all you have given to so many. What an incredible lady you are.”
Mum Lynn founded the Halberton Scout group in Devon after moving to the village from Surrey six years ago.
Her family says she found a need for a group in the village after her son Anthony, 14, joined the Cubs with their nearest group being in Tiverton.
Lynn’s mother, Sally Brockbank said: “The Scouting movement has been Lynn’s life.
“She got her Queen’s Guide Award when she was younger and has always been a Guider and loved it. She then came down here and got the Scout group organised.
“From my point of view, one of her main achievements has been passing on her knowledge to other people; leaders as well as the young boys and girls.
“They don’t give this medal out very often apparently. It’s quite an honour to get it and only a handful amount of leaders have got one.”
Lynn’s husband Darren, 44, said Scouting was his wife’s passion.
He said: “When she had her appendix out about four or five years ago, while she was convalescing she ticked off all her modules that she had to do in a month instead of a year.
“So even when she was meant to put her feet up she was always busy.”
When Lynn first started the Halberton Scout group there were just two members but it grew and now around 15 meet each week.
Darren added: “She wanted to give something back to the movement after being a Guide as a girl and she’s always kept in touch with Scouts.”
