Shrewsbury Girlguiding leader honoured at national celebration

Gabby McDermott, from Minsterley, joined hundreds of fellow outstanding volunteers at the Girlguiding Celebrates event in London’s West End.      

The fabulous annual party – now in its fourth year – thanked and celebrated volunteers who were nominated by other Girlguiding members, parents and carers for their incredible contributions.

The unforgettable afternoon saw attendees walk the red carpet, before enjoying delicious treats, refreshments and spectacular entertainment.

Gabby, 27, is currently the leader of a Rainbows unit, two Brownie units, and a Guide unit in Shrewsbury. 

“Girlguiding means more to me than I can ever properly put into words,” she said. “It isn’t just something I do, it’s part of who I am. I wouldn’t be the person I am today without Girlguiding.

“Every week, I support 106 girls aged 5 to 16 across Rainbows, Brownies and Guides in Shrewsbury. That number means 106 individual personalities, stories, worries, achievements and moments of growth that I get to be part of. It’s a privilege I never take for granted.”

Gabby said: “Being nominated to attend Celebrates was incredibly emotional,” she said. “It means the world to me to know that something that is such a huge part of my life has made a difference.

“It was exciting to meet other volunteers, hear their stories, and just be part of something that celebrated everything Girlguiding stands for. It was such a lovely opportunity, and I felt really proud to be part of it.”

One of the people who nominated Gabby to attend Girlguiding Celebrates was Brownie parent Hannah Heighway.

She said: “Gabby is fearlessly passionate about providing as many opportunities as possible for young Rainbows, Brownies and Guides in Shrewsbury. The time she dedicates to ensuring activities are well planned, and to giving the girls so many events and experiences, is truly appreciated. She is a role model when it comes to building a community we can all be proud of.”

Gabby was also nominated to attend Girlguiding Celebrates by fellow Shrewsbury-based Girlguiding volunteer, Lois Ingram-Evans.

She said: “Gabby’s life revolves around her love for Guiding and I thought her efforts should be recognised for the positive impact she leaves on hundreds of girls in the area.”

Gabby has been part of Girlguiding since she started as a Brownie aged seven. She progressed through the sections and started volunteering to help at Brownies when she was 13.

In 2017, just after she turned 18, Gabby, who works as a childminder, opened her own Rainbows unit.

“It had always been a dream of mine to start a Rainbows unit and there was a real demand for it locally,” she said. “One of the Brownie units I help at was at risk of closing, so a friend and I stepped in to keep it going, which was really important to us.

“I don’t volunteer for Girlguiding because I have spare time, I do it because it’s a part of who I am.”

As well as supporting the girls, Gabby says she gets a lot out of volunteering on a personal level too. 

“Girlguiding has given me confidence, purpose and a place where I belong, and that’s what I try to give back to every girl I work with. I want them to feel seen, heard and valued.

“It has given me friendships, strength and a sense of community. It’s not just about what we do each week, it’s about the long-term difference it makes to the girls, and to me.”

The Girlguiding Celebrates event was held on Saturday, June 6 at Odeon Luxe Leicester Square.  

Girlguiding is powered by over 80,000 inspiring volunteers who give their time and talents to create the best experience for girls. Girls thrive in Girlguiding. They’re on average 28% more confident than other girls in the UK, and 15% happier.1 

Girlguiding volunteers make a huge difference to the lives of thousands of girls, however much time they can spare. They also get to have lots of incredible experiences, develop new skills, and meet other like-minded people along the way.