It was an extra special end of term awards evening at Trinity Girls Brigade last week when, along with the badge and certificate giving, thirteen-year-old Kirsten Ryan was presented with an extra award for which leaders, Kate Rainbow and Kerin Adam, had made a special application to the National Girls’ Brigade office. The Endurance Award is given to a child/young person for persevering during prolonged periods of illness.

Girls’ Brigade leader, Kerin Adam, said that Kirsten astounded the team every week with her bright, smiling attitude and willingness to participate in all the activities. “Many of Kirsten’s friends will have no idea that she has any difficulties at all.”

But the reality is that Kirsten, who was born with Angenisis of the Corpus Callosum (ACC) and talipes (‘club foot’), endures daily injections to help her body produce the hormones it needs to fight the most common illnesses. She has had five operations to date on her foot, and carries an emergency injection with her at all times.

Kirsten joins in all the activities without complaint, both at school and at Girls’ Brigade. She has found her real passion in art, but she does not shy away from PE or from the sponsored walk that took the members of Girls’ Brigade across steep fields, through brambles and stinging nettles! Presenting Kirsten with the Award, Regional Leader, Julia Trail, said that Kirsten was an inspiration to her friends and a credit to the Girls’ Brigade organisation.

Kirsten has been a member of Trinity Girls’ Brigade, which meets at Radstock Methodist Church, every Wednesday evening, for five years. The national organisation celebrated its 125th anniversary this year with a number of celebration events. Parents of the Trinity Girls’ Brigade were treated to a fantastic evening of singing, drama, and the presentation of badges and some special trophies for the girls’ achievements during the term.

Trinity Girls’ Brigade welcome girls aged 4–18 to come along and give it a try on Wednesday evenings during term time. For more information, please contact Kate Rainbow on: 07543 806525.