Eight year old Saul named ‘Unsung Hero’ for acts of selflessness

Eight year old cub scout Saul Anning has been given a special award after growing his hair for three years to help children with cancer.

The Bishop’s Waltham youngster was selected from hundreds of nominations, from across the UK for the Chief Scout’s Unsung Heroes Award, recognising their acts of selflessness.

Saul Anning lost his Grandfather, known to him as Tiade, to cancer when he was in Reception. Saul and his family spoke openly about cancer and death and he had heard of The Little Princess Trust. Saul took it upon himself to grow his hair to support the charity. Saul’s parents supported his challenge, but due to his young age were uncertain of how long he would sustain it.

Saul grew his hair for three years, due to how curly his hair is, it took a long time to get his hair to the length needed to be donated for use as a wig. Alongside growing his hair, he also raised over £1500 to cover the cost of not just his hair being turned into a wig, but also another.

Saul battled challenges of other young people not understanding why he was growing his hair while wanting to keep his challenge quiet. Saul also has had hearing issues his whole life, and is very intuitive to others’ feelings. Once, however, was not enough for Saul and he is now growing his hair again.

Veronique Anning, Saul’s Mum, said “Saul is such a kind, loving child. He didn’t want people to know. He’s always very aware of other children and their feelings. I’m ridiculously proud of him and it’s lovely for him to get this recognition.”

This year’s recipients are a group of 20 remarkable young people making a real impact. Together, the group helped to save lives, raised over £50,000 for charitable causes meaningful to them, and hundreds of hours to volunteering in their local communities. These Scouts represent the very best of Scouting. 

Chief Scout Dwayne Fields said: “I’m incredibly proud of our Unsung Heroes 2026. Each of them has shown real courage, kindness and care for others. They’ve stepped up and making a difference when it mattered most. They truly represent what Scouts is all about: building skills, using them to do good in the world, giving everyone a place to belong. Earning an Unsung Heroes Award is an incredible achievement. Thank you and well done to each of them for inspiring us and giving back to their communities.”

The awards were presented at a special ceremony held at the home of Scouting, Gilwell Park, attended by recipients’ families, friends and fellow Scouts. The award is supported by the Vasey Family Trust and players of the Postcode Lottery.

The Chief Scout’s Unsung Heroes Award is open for nominations from across the Scout Movement, recognising young people aged 4 to 24, from Squirrel Scouts to Scout Network. This prestigious personal achievement award celebrates young people who put the skills, values and confidence developed through Scouting into action, making a positive difference in their everyday lives.

Nominations are submitted by Scout volunteers, with recipients selected by a panel of volunteers led by the Chief Scout.