Boy who never had a birthday party befriended by local Scouts
A lonely teenager with autism who has never had a birthday party, or had friends to invite to his own, was treated to a boisterous celebration for his 13th birthday by 38 Scouts from Leagrave Scout Group in Luton.
Brandon Bird from Linnet Close was born with a rare genetic disorder and autism. The condition limits his social skills and his ability to make friends as well as causing him to suffer from anxiety, affecting his short term memory and his tolerance of certain foods. It meant that friends were few and far between and party going was not an option.
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a story the Scouts heard about on a blog from his mother Marissa. It was also taken up by a friend Mary Sherwood who is a Beaver Scout Leader from Elstree. The challenge for the Scouts was to find some friends for Brandon and organise a special birthday party for him.
Scout Leader Gary Sturrock and his wife Jacky were roped in and their headquarters at Southfield Primary School were decorated with bunting and balloons. The entire Scout Troop of 38 youngsters arranged some teenage boisterous party games and parents cooked birthday cakes and provided snacks and soft drinks.
Everyone bombarded him with birthday cards which he took home with him for a glorious display – the first he has had in his lifetime. He now has a wall of cards from all his many new Scouting friends and more arrive every day.
The Scouting activities allowed Brandon to interact with his new found friends. He took part in a vigorous game of dodge ball and a knock out hockey contest. Then the 13-year old joined a Scout Patrol to plan a Scout camp.
The evening ended with two special birthday cakes, one of them his favourite jam sponge. He was also given a rousing cheer and a chorus of Happy Birthday.
Finlay McKay, one of the Scouts said, “We wanted to show Brandon that we are a big happy family in Scouts and we just hope he will join us to enjoy our mad adventures.”
Mum Marissa said she was overwhelmed by the kindness of the Scouts. On the way home Brandon whispered to his mum, “That made me feel so special.”
Now the birthday boy and his younger sister Rihanna have both asked to join the Scouts. “It’s truly amazing,” said Marissa.
