When an 11-year-old girl from 1st Roffey Guides in Horsham realised there would be no Remembrance Day parade this year due to COVID-19 restrictions, she approached her leaders to make sure the day was still marked as it should be. Not only did Siobhan ensure a wreath was laid on behalf of Horsham’s Division, she also ran 10km to raise money for the Royal British Legion.
1st Roffey Guide Remembrance Day Achievements
“I believe this is a truly incredible achievement for such a young lady”
— said Siobhan’s proud mum Daniella, afterwards.
Siobhan, completely unprompted, contacted her unit leaders to see if a wreath could still be laid and they got in touch with Division and County to find out if it was possible. The Assistant County Commissioner spoke to Horsham District Council, who then gave permission for a wreath to be laid on Remembrance Sunday on behalf of Horsham Girlguiding. Siobhan was invited to watch the wreath-laying at a safe distance, due to the COVID restrictions, and shortly afterwards was able to view it at close quarters.
Getting the wreath laid was not enough for Siobhan though, as she was keen to do more. So, she decided to join the British Legion Poppy Run to raise funds for its annual Poppy Appeal. Her plan was to run 10km around Tilgate Park. She did this on November 14 at Tilgate Park in Crawley and completed it in one hour 39 minutes and 53 seconds, raising £400 for the Poppy Appeal.
Siobhan’s efforts mark two truly unique achievements in a very different year and she has made everyone very proud.