A dedicated Ceredigion dad who has devoted 24 years to providing children with “valuable life skills” was shocked to receive the country’s top Scout’s volunteering award.
Chris Hollis from Llangwyryfon was recognised at a prestigious ceremony at Windsor Castle as part of a special day of celebration honouring Scouts and volunteers from across the UK.
The 58-year-old Scouts Ceredigion deputy area commissioner received the esteemed Silver Acorn honour, which was recognised by the renowned adventurer and Chief Scout, Bear Grylls, along with the Duke of Kent, and fellow Scouting ambassadors: actor Warwick Davies, polar explorer Dwayne Fields and survivalist Megan Hine.
The award was given to Mr Hollis in recognition of his 24 years of volunteering with the Scouts, including his role as the deputy chief commissioner for Wales with Scouts Cymru.
Mr Hollis said he was so proud to have received this honour.
He said: “I am beyond shocked and so, so grateful to have been nominated for this award, let alone win it!
“For me, being a Scouts volunteer has been so incredibly rewarding and the perfect opportunity to help young people acquire new life skills and give back to my community.
“It was always my aim to support and enhance the community even from the time I started. I initially volunteered as my son had joined Beavers, and my wife was a Beaver leader, and I wanted to help the group in any way I could.
“Along the way I have enjoyed so many highlights and seen so many young people achieve their potential thanks to Scouting."
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