Thomas Gibbons (age 14 yrs, Year 10) has successfully reached his target and raised the £4,000 required to make the trip of a lifetime to the World Scout Jamboree in South Korea next year.
After 8 months of fundraising, Thomas reached his target on Tuesday 6th December when he was presented with a cheque from Jos Huddleston, President of the Rotary Club of Richmond, North Yorkshire (see photo at end of article).
Commenting on Thomas’s achievement, Jos said:
“Thomas has shown such commitment to raise funds and prepare for this life-changing experience, and Richmond Rotary Club is delighted to support him.”
Thomas is a member of the Castle Explorers Scout Troop. He was the only Scout selected from the Richmondshire area and is now part of Unit 41, North Yorkshire’s contingent for the 25th World Scout Jamboree in South Korea 2023.
Thomas said:
“I really appreciate all the donations given to me to get out to South Korea. The anticipation of getting to Seoul and SaeManGeum to experience a different continent, culture and cuisine is now real. I know this trip will be life-changing.”
Thomas’ Mum, Sue, said:
“Thomas has been able to reach his target through the very generous donations from Richmond Rotary, Richmond Meet, The Richmond Duck Club, Colburn Town Council, The Rotary Club of Northallerton (President Mike Holmes, Risedale School Governor), Richmondshire District Scouts and so many wonderful people who gave us cash or donated via his Just Giving page. A massive thank you to each and every person who has supported Thomas!”
The £4,000 that Thomas has raised will not only pay for his own adventure to South Korea but will also contribute towards funding children from poorer countries so they attend the Jamboree as well.
Thomas will be one of 3,240 young people from the UK to join nearly 50,000 people from all over the world at the event.
Risedale School Headteacher, Colin Scott, said:
“Everyone at Risedale is really proud of Thomas. Raising £4,000 is an extraordinary achievement. We can’t wait to hear how he gets on at the Jamboree next year!”
To find out more about the 25 World Scout Jamboree click HERE.
PHOTO: Jos Huddleston, President of the Rotary Club of Richmond, North Yorkshire presenting Thomas with a cheque to help with his fundraising for the World Scout Jamboree in South Korea 2023.