A 12-year old British Scout has died after collapsing at an international gathering in Finland.
Charlie Girling, who was with the 1st Aylesford Scout group, died on Sunday evening while attending the Finnish jamboree, Roihu 2016, near the town of Hämeenlinna in southern Finland. An onsite medical team and paramedics from the local hospital offered immediate support but were unable to save him.
Wayne Bulpitt, the UK chief commissioner for the Scout Association, said: “Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of Charlie during this difficult and challenging time. The Scout Association is in touch with all the families of the young people attending the Finnish national jamboree from Kent, ensuring they are fully briefed and supported.
“We will be working with the Finnish Scout movement and the relevant local authorities to establish the full details of this tragic incident.”
Three memorial services for Charlie were held at the camp on Monday and professional crisis counsellors were on hand to offer their support. Scouts from Charlie’s group flew back to the UK on Tuesday morning, earlier than planned, in light of his death.
Anna Munsterhjelm, Finland’s chief Scout, said: “The Guides and Scouts of Finland and Finnjamboree Roihu express their deepest condolences to the friends and family of the tragic medical situation that resulted in the death of a scout. We feel deeply sorry for their loss.
“We wish that every scout in and outside the camp will help to bear the grief of the family and friends. To aid us in processing this difficult situation, one can join hands, respect the mourning and show compassion to those most in need.”
Hundreds of British Scouts from 19 different groups were at the nine-day camp, which draws together over 16,000 participants in total and is said to be Finland’s biggest youth festival.
Tracy Crouch, MP for Chatham and Aylesford, tweeted:
Incredibly sad news. My thoughts and prayers are with their family and friends https://t.co/kZCAQiCtHR
— Tracey Crouch (@tracey_crouch) July 26, 2016
