Kent Weald county Brownie wins Guiding Star award

On Tuesday 25 June Eliana Farragher was awarded the national Guiding Star award at her Brownie meeting in Staplehurst. One of only two awarded in the last two years, Eliana (10) was given the award for being an exceptional role model for others in her community.

Eliana was born with Cerebral Palsy and a visual impairment called Nystagmus. Nystagmus means that Eliana has no control over the movement of her eyes which she describes as ‘dancing eyes’. She uses hairstyles, coats and voices to determine which of her friends she is talking to and can even recognise which family member is entering the room by their footsteps.

Despite the challenges she faces every day, Eliana is always happy and determined to give everything a go. She recently went rock climbing with Brownies, reaching the top of the wall despite her physical and visual difficulties. When she was back on the ground, she casually said that although she couldn’t see her leaders and fellow Brownies, it was ok because she could hear them.

Eliana has made 2 videos which she has posted on YouTube to help people understand what it’s like having Nystagmus with Kent Association for the Blind and for Nystagmus Awareness Day. These videos have been shown around the world in schools, with thanks being received from parents with children who also have the condition.

The awards committee said “Despite the challenges Eliana encounters in daily life she is an exceptional role model for others in her community. Eliana demonstrates great resilience with the videos she shares to help others and in all she gets involved with in Brownies with her many friends. A real Guiding star – well done Eliana.”

The special star-shaped silver badge and certificate were awarded by Dawn Archer, county commissioner for Girlguiding Kent Weald and Jooles Parkin, region deputy chief commissioner. Both were very impressed by Eliana’s attitude to life and the way she is determined to help others. Elaina’s family and friends were in attendance and a special cake was made in the colours that Eliana can see best for all to enjoy.

Doreen Braganza, Brown Owl and the person who nominated Eliana said: “I’m so proud of Eliana. She throws herself into every challenge and is now a sixer, leading others girls in the group in various activities. I recently asked her if she ever feels sorry for herself and she responded, ‘why would I?’ This award is just the start for Eliana and I’m sure she will go on to do great things.”