My name is Andrew Daniels, and I’m 41 years old. I’ve been passionate about scouting since the age of 11, where I gained invaluable practical and mental skills that shaped my character. I joined the 7th Stalybridge Scout Group at 12 and never looked back. Camping, learning to use axes, knives, and cooking over open fires became my weekend norm, and I thrived in that environment. 

One of my proudest achievements was leading our group to become the first in the Tame Valley District to welcome female Scouts. It was a challenging journey, but together we made history, ensuring inclusivity for all. I also co-founded the Phoenix Venture Scout Unit with other Scouts from my group, eager to maintain our connection as new age ranges were introduced.

At 17, I joined the British Army, but my heart remained with scouting. During my leave, I continued to volunteer, eventually becoming the Explorer Scout Leader and later the Group Scout Leader. Together with our dedicated team, we successfully secured funding for significant renovations, including double-glazed windows and a new kitchen, nearly 18 years ago. However, personal circumstances forced me to step back from scouting.

Fast forward to 2025: I’m excited to return as a trustee, shifting my focus from uniformed leadership to supporting our group in new ways. With the help of volunteer leaders, we face the challenge of revitalising our ageing building, originally constructed in 1972 after a fire destroyed the first one. The name "Phoenix" reflects our resilience and commitment to rise from the ashes.

Today, our building needs urgent attention. We require a new, non-slip floor to replace the old asphalt, which has seen better days. Incomplete renovations for the toilets, including a much-needed disabled restroom, must be finished. Our kitchen is in dire need of new appliances, and fire doors need to be installed throughout the building. Additionally, we face rising operational costs and a lack of funds for necessary repairs and improvements.

### Our Vision

Our vision is to create a safe, accessible, and welcoming environment for all Scouts. We want to ensure that every young person in our community can enjoy the benefits of scouting, just as I did. By restoring our building, we can provide more opportunities for adventure, learning, and growth.

### How We Will Use the Funds

The money we raise will be dedicated to completing the unfinished building projects, hiring skilled tradespeople, and purchasing essential materials. Every contribution will help us transform the 7th Stalybridge Scout Group into a vibrant hub for the community, enabling us to continue providing a valuable experience for generations to come. Together, let’s rise once more and ensure our Scouts have the safe and functional space they deserve!