A FORDINGBRIDGE boy fighting cancer has been awarded one of the country’s rarest Scouting medals for his courage and bravery.

Daniel West, who has been undergoing treatment at the Piam Brown Ward at Southampton General Hospital, was presented with the medal for Meritorious Conduct at a St George’s Day camp in front of 40 of his 1st Fordingbridge Scout friends.

The nine-year-old said: “I’m proud to have received it in front of my friends, It makes me feel special.”

Hampshire Scouting ambassador James Ketchell presented Daniel with the accolade at Harry’s Island near Burley.

Daniel is one of only nine young people to be presented with the award in Great Britain this year.

A letter sent by Chief Scout Bear Grylls said: “Your story is an inspiration to so many and personifies all that is best about Scouting.

“You are a shining example and your contribution and devotion to Scouting is such an inspiration to me and many others, you should be rightly proud.”

The medal for meritorious conduct is presented to children or adults in scouting who have shown exceptional bravery and courage in the face of adversity.

Daniel, a seconder in blue six with 1st Fordingbridge Cub Scout pack, was diagnosed with high-grade soft tissue sarcoma of the kidney eight months ago but has not let it get in his way.

“Scouting has brought normality to his life,” said Daniel’s mum Kayte. “Opportunities to be with his friends and take part in activities like any other nine-year-old. He can switch off from his illness.”

Daniel participates in a scheme at the hospital called Beads of Courage, where different glass beads represent a different part of his journey.

He now has collected 400 beads, which he has used as part of his collectors badge.

The annual St George’s Day camp enabled Daniel and the rest of the group to build on their team skills through games and activities before settling in for a barbecue and talk by Hampshire Scouting ambassadors James Ketchell and Ash Wilson.

Group Scout leader Tim Reed, who nominated Daniel for the award, said: “He has had to confront and contend with a huge amount of medical intervention, this has had a massive impact on his life and yet he remains positive and cheerful.

“He has shown great courage in the face of severe medical difficulties and those who know him, admire his positive outlook to life – this strength of character has been a great comfort to his family at a very difficult time, it is also a wonderful lesson for the Beavers, Cubs, Scouts and leaders that know him, he truly is a role model for his friends and all who know him.”