A midwife from Kendal will attend a red carpet event in recognition of the work she does as a Girlguiding volunteer.
Fiona Ducksbury, 29, will join hundreds of fellow award recipients at the upcoming Girlguiding Celebrates event in London’s West End.
The event, on Sunday, will honour Girlguiding’s most recent award-winning volunteers along with other members who have been nominated for their achievements.
Fiona works as a midwife and ward manager at her local hospital. To switch off from her job, Fiona volunteers as unit leader for 5th Kendal Guides in Cumbria South.
She said: “When I do such a demanding job, I find guiding is my downtime and it reminds me it’s okay to have fun. Seeing my guides complete new challenges and become incredible young women is so worth it. And we always have fun and a laugh on the way!”
Fiona was nominated to attend Girlguiding Celebrates by a fellow unit leader because despite her challenging but rewarding career, she finds time to plan countless adventures for her Guides, from tree climbing and water sports on the Mersey, to camps and taking the girls to the UEFA Women’s Euros opening game.
Samm Parker, fellow unit leader at 5th Kendal Guides, said: “Fiona is amazing! She’s led us through camps, trips, lock down Zoom meetings, more camps, Big Gig, division picnics, torchlight processions, treasure hunts and more camps – all while keeping a smile on her, and everyone else’s faces. She’s been such an inspiration.”
Fiona said: “When I first read the email with my nomination details I was in shock. It was so lovely to read the comments from my fellow guide leader and it is amazing to know all the hard work and behind the scenes work does not go unnoticed.”
Fiona has been a member of Girlguiding since she joined as a Rainbow aged five and has never left. Working her way through Brownies, Guides and Rangers, she then went on to be a young leader before completing her leadership qualification and taking the lead at her current unit.
On top of being a unit leader, Fiona spent three years as Division Commissioner for Girlguiding Cumbria South. The nomination for Girlguiding Celebrates isn’t the first time she’s been recognised for excellence – earlier this year Fiona was awarded the High Sheriff Award.
The Cumbrian High Sheriff presents the awards to charities, voluntary organisations and individuals who have made a notable contribution to the community. In Girlguiding Cumbria South, the award is presented each year to a member under 30 who has provided excellent service to Girlguiding in the county.
Fiona said: “Guiding has definitely made me who I am today. There have been leaders across the years that have helped and guide me to become more confident and do things that I would never usually do.
“The organisation is amazing and I am so proud and passionate to be a member. The friends I have made, the adventures I have had and the difference I know I am making to the future women of today is worth every minute.”
