WHEN Lorraine Bearchell-Healy's daughter was upset that she could not join Guides because of a shortage of leaders, she stepped in to help.
Her daughter who was nearly 10 at the time, is now 40 and Lorraine has been with the organisation for 30 years!
Lorraine, 62, became a unit helper for her daughter's sake in 1983 and is still with the organisation.
She achieved her leadership qualification and after 10 years, moved up to be a Ranger Leader where she stayed for another 10 years.
“I have had so many different roles in Girl Guiding, some administration roles when work commitments made it difficult to commit to running a weekly unit, some strategic, as a Division Commissioner for Border Division for five years.
“I am now Assistant County Commissioner for Cumbria North with particular responsibility for ensuring compliance with recruitment checks and training for our volunteer leaders.
“Since last year when units were able to meet face-to-face again, post-Covid, I have been running Rainbow and Brownie units in Cumwhinton, although my husband reminds me that I did say ‘Never again!’
"It’s great fun and it keeps me young!
“Part of our Guiding promise is to be of service to our community and that is really important to me.”
Her volunteering has taken her on two international trips, to Finland in 2008 and China, Siberia and Mongolia in 2009.
Before she retired, she worked for the Carlisle Youth Zone, running a mentoring programme and ensuring the volunteers were supported, appropriately trained and equipped to help according to their various roles.
She still volunteers as a mentor and as a surplus food collector from Sainsbury's once a week!
She also helps with food deliveries at the Affordable Food Hub based on the Kingstown Estate in Carlisle and is a Governor at Brook Street School.
Lorraine is married with three adult children and three grandchildren.
"My oldest grandchild will be joining my Rainbow unit in January!" she said.
As well as that, she cares for her 93-year-old father who lives with the family along with Lex, the springer spaniel who, although he is 12, still thinks he is a puppy.
If she could go back in time, would she still make the decision to join the movement to help her daughter? It's a resounding Yes.
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