A young Scout has been recognised with a national award.

Joshua Fuller from Buckinghamshire received the Chief Scout’s Unsung Heroes Award for his dedication, fundraising and long-running charity camping challenge in aid of Willen Hospice.

Joshua received his award in May (Image: Chief Scout's)

The award, presented by Chief Scout Dwayne Fields at a special ceremony at Gilwell Park, celebrates young people who use the skills and values developed through Scouting to make a positive impact in their daily lives.

Joshua was one of just 20 recipients selected from hundreds of nominations from across the UK who were described as remarkable young people making a real impact.

Mr Fields said: "I’m incredibly proud of our Unsung Heroes 2026.

"Each of them has shown real courage, kindness and care for others.

"They’ve stepped up and making a difference when it mattered most.

"They truly represent what Scouts is all about: building skills, using them to do good in the world, giving everyone a place to belong.

"Earning an Unsung Heroes Award is an incredible achievement.

"Thank you and well done to each of them for inspiring us and giving back to their communities."

Joshua, 12, is from Buckinghamshire (Image: Chief Scouts)

Joshua was recognised for his extraordinary challenge of sleeping in a tent for more than 1,000 nights, which began in 2023 when he was still in Year 5.

Now in Year 8, he is nearing three full years of outdoor camping to raise funds for Willen Hospice, which cared for his grandmother during his early childhood and more recently his grandfather.

Joshua has raised more than £10,000 for the hospice through his efforts.

He has camped in makeshift shelters while on family holidays and even spent the night at Gilwell Park before the awards ceremony.

Emily Fuller, Joshua’s mother, said: "I’m proud of him for being so determined and committed.

"This was all his idea and he may be a bit bonkers, but I’m so proud."

This year’s award winners collectively raised more than £50,000 for causes close to their hearts, volunteered hundreds of hours in their communities and in some cases helped save lives.

The Chief Scout’s Unsung Heroes Award is open to nominations from across the UK Scout Movement and recognises young people aged four to 24, spanning from Squirrel Scouts to Scout Network.

Nominations are made by Scout volunteers and selected by a panel of volunteers led by the Chief Scout.

The award is supported by the Vasey Family Trust and players of the Postcode Lottery.