LCpl Amber Russell

LCpl Russell is a Type One Diabetic.

She suffers several episodes every day when her sugars either go too low or too high. To her credit, Amber knows what to do each time that this happens and she calmly and quietly takes the appropriate action to restore her sugar levels.

 

Amber attends every activity that the CCF put on and she was very keen to come on Army Camp for her first time. It is accepted that the Camp can be challenging to most cadets, especially first timers. The challenge for Amber is greater given her condition and how tired she can feel after an episode.

 

During the course of the week Amber has “gone down” several times which is to be expected given the arduous routine. As above, she self-administers, waits until her levels are within the correct range and then seeks to return to training. If she has to be withdrawn from an activity it will always be the decision of the training staff and not at Amber’s request.

 

When she joined the CCF the Contingent adults reacted with some urgency when hearing that “Amber has gone down”. We soon learnt that she will manage the situation, assisted by a close body of friends. Now, when we are told “Amber has gone down” we say “Oh, okay, thanks”. When I walk past her as she recovers I will get a cheeky smile or a little wave of a hand which I respond to by raising my eyebrows and tutting.

 

Amber accepts her condition and deals with it, it does not stop her from doing what she wants to do. She is an inspiration.

 

This why I believe that Amber deserves to be presented with the Outstanding Endeavour Award for her efforts this week.

 

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At Contingent Commanders’ Conference 13 July 2023.

Attended by all senior members of 11 SFA Brigade’s Cadet Training Team, the Stand Leaders of the 4 different activities and Contingent Commanders from the 12 schools attending that week.

Unanimous decision to award.