A GIRLGUIDING group received an award for their new challenge badge in memory of a much-loved leader who took her own life.

South Cumbria Girlguiding is celebrating after their badge Twinkle for Heather was presented with the Flamingo Award - showing appreciation for members in Cumbria who have provided excellent service.

The award was given as part of the Girlguiding Annual Gathering and Presentation Evening.

The team devised The Challenge Badge (Twinkle for Heather) in memory of Heather Porter, from Dalton, who took her own life in April 2022. The badge focuses on mental health based on the five ways to well-being launched in October.

READ MORE: Girl guides design badge to promote mental health in memory of leader

Over 3,000 badges have been sent out to various groups for young people and schools. The activities are differentiated for primary-aged children right through to college students.

Vicki Boggon, Suicide Bereavement Support Worker at Every Life Matters, said: "It has been inspirational to watch a group of people devastated by trauma following Heather’s suicide turn that negative into a positive to help their own grief processes but to also help and impact the health and wellbeing of others through this badge."

Guiding leaders Barb Quine and Glenn Wright originally came up with the idea to create a badge to support the mental well-being of their members and become a legacy in Heather’s name.

Barb, Rainbow and Brownie Leader at Grange Over Sands and Girlguiding Volunteer, said: "The Twinkle for Heather Challenge has been so well received by Girlguiding far and wide across the UK with almost 3,000 badges sold. This shows how necessary and popular the badge is for our young people and their leaders.

"I believe the challenge is pitched at the right level for children and young adults and is helping them voice their concerns whilst trying out new skills, making things, giving to others and having fun."

The team has not only started the Twinkle for Heather Challenge but has also been an avid fundraiser for local charities.

Sarah Milligan, Heather’s mum, said: “Since Heather’s suicide 2 years ago, Heather’s parents, sister and friends have come together as Team H’s Angels, who have taken part in several fundraising events and have raised a total of almost £10,000 for local charities.

"This year a team of 29 H’s Angels will be taking on the Keswick and Coniston to Barrow walks to raise funds for Every Life Matters on the May 11”.

The Twinkle for Heather challenge pack can be accessed here.