A host of stars have been honored by the British Scout Association for their charity work in the organization’s annual birthday honors list.
Eddie Izzard, Richard Hammond, David Attenborough, David Walliams and James Corden were among those honored. A number of winners were Scouts themselves, including novelist Jodi Picoult, chef Ainsley Harriott and Richard Hammond. Hammond – the Top Gear and Brainiac presenter – reflected on his time spent Scouting: “I look back on my days making periscopes and pin hole cameras very fondly. Young people should always be adventurous and inquisitive and Scouting offers a huge amount of opportunities to foster this.”
Another winner, Blue Peter’s Helen Skelton, paddled her way to the Canoeist Award by kayaking down the Amazon to raise money for Sport Relief.
“Scouts up and down the country take part in canoeing on their local rivers and experience the same thrills I did – it’s a great organisation and I’m happy to offer my support,” she said.
Chief Scout Bear Grylls congratulated the winners and said they were an inspiration to adults and young people everywhere to get involved in Scouting.
“Scouting is proud to recognise those who have inspired young people during the past year,” he said. "Across the UK, young people have voted for those who have demonstrated the skills that are required to attain an honorary Scout badge.
“Inspiring young people is vitally important and the people receiving these awards join the thousands of ordinary adults across the UK who inspire young people week in week out in their normal leadership roles. Heroes – one and all.”
Watch a video of Richard Hammond accepting his award here.
