A tribute to Jodie

I don't like to stray into current affairs on what is supposed to be personal blog about scouting but this one thing I don't feel I can let go.

Jodie Chesney, a seventeen year old girl scout was murdered at Harold Hill play fields, Romford on Friday by youths while with her boyfriend.

She had a lot of life ahead of her, was well respected, was working on her Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme badge and made her way through scouting pictured here at No 10 Downing Street on a visit.

It is early days but it is highly likely those responsible lacked real direction, a sense of moral purpose and above all a respect for others.

As much as her death upsets me and many others, it underlines the real need for scouting in our society to aid people to grow, to elevate them morally and show a real alternative to the gangs that offer a perverted form of unit identity that only takes away life.

R.I.P Jodie.