A courageous Fife schoolboy has been given one of Scouting’s highest honours.
The bravery shown by Rosyth 10-year-old Noah Duncan as he took on two battles against cancer has brought him a rare Cornwell Scout Badge, often referred to as the scouting world’s Victoria Cross.
In collecting the honour Noah, who lives with parents Brenda and Aaron and sister Hannah, becomes only the third youth in Scotland to receive the badge since 1958.
Chief Scout Bear Grylls personally wrote to him to congratulate him and tell him just how much of an inspiration he is.
Now a trip to Windsor Castle next spring to accept his accolade from royalty may well be on the cards for the 13th Fife (Rosyth Methodist) Scout.
Noah said: “I love being in Scouts I get to have fun, go on camps and complete loads of badges, and everyone there accepts me for just being me.
“The people at the 13th have been really good to me and my family over the past few years. They are like a family to us.
“I hope I made them really proud by getting the Cornwell badge.”
The award is in recognition of the Kings Road Primary School pupil’s courage in facing up to cancer, his attitude in coping with gruelling treatment, the loss of his left eye and, not least, the way he has turned this into a positive means of helping others.
Noah was diagnosed with the rare form of cancer, orbital rhabdomyosarcoma, in 2009 after tests at the Royal Hospital for Sick Children in Edinburgh revealed he had a marble-sized tumour behind his left eye.
He was given chemotherapy and radiotherapy but the cancer returned in 2012, and sadly Noah lost his left eye following a lifesaving operation.
But since then, he has shown bravery beyond his years. He has helped Cancer Research UK with various campaigns and is an ambassador for their Little Stars awards which acknowledge the unique challenges faced by youngsters with cancer.
He has contributed to an appeal to raise £250,000 for Clic Sargent, raced two junior marathons and inspired many to do their bit.
And last month The Courier recognised his achievements, placing him 15th in its Impact 100 list an accolade which left him speechless, according to Brenda.
“I love fundraising and doing promotional work for cancer charities,” he said. “It always gives me a buzz because I know that I’m helping other boys and girls like me. Things are not always easy but I’m always a happy Noah!”
However, proud mum Brenda revealed there had been lows as well this year, with the loss of much-loved family members.
In addition, Noah has had to come to terms with his disfigurement, and work with medical teams to construct his prosthetic eye.
Brenda said: “Noah has made us all think a lot about people with differences. He has certainly shown us what matters in life.”