A Heart of Worcestershire College (HoW College) student from Studley has been awarded a prestigious badge for his outstanding commitment to scouting. 

Level two digital and creative media student, Matthew Cook, aged 17, joined the Beaver Scouts aged just six and has now earned the rare Cornwall Scout Badge in recognition of his courage, determination and devotion to the organisation. 

Based at HoW College's Bromsgrove campus, Mr Cook has faced significant health challenges throughout his life and was diagnosed with Neurofibromatosis at the age of eight after experiencing a series of epileptic fits. 

This led to the discovery of several brain tumours and Mr Cook undergoing surgery.  

Despite his condition causing fatigue, physical limitations, ongoing tumour monitoring, chemotherapy and potential hearing loss, Mr Cook has continued with his scouting journey and was able to earn his Chief Scouts' Bronze Award. 

Mr Cook said: "Scouting allows me to be me, I can do as I can with the support of my friends despite my limitations. 

"Scouting gives me a freedom from hospitals and lets me have a normal life." 

The student has also participated in different scouting activities including completing the District Dovetrek challenge, a 12-mile activity hike, before lockdown. 

He was also participated in Zoom meetings during lockdown and transitioned into Explorer Scouts. 

Mr Cook added: "Dovetrek was so hard and pushed me to my limit. I also got scout of the year in my last year of Scouts."

The achievement marks the first Cornwall Badge being awarded within Warwickshire and highlights Mr Cook's exceptional commitment to the group. 

Despite needing another surgery on his ankle, Mr Cook is determined to continue scouting for as long as physically possible.