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Video: Sue Piper of
Demelza House pays tribute to Stephen Young

by Chris Hunter

Hundreds of mourners have gathered to
pay their respects to Borough Green scout leader Stephen Young -
who died climbing in the Scottish highlands last month.

There were smiles as well as tears as
friends, family and fellow scouts turned out at Rochester Cathedral
to celebrate the life of the 18-year-old, who has been described as
an inspirational leader.

In a statement, Stephen's mother, Judy
Young, said the entire family had been greatly comforted by
thousands of messages of support and sympathy received.

She said she hoped his dreams
"continued to encourage more young people to become involved in
climbing and scouts."

Standard bearers included members of
Ightham, Borough Green and Malling district scouts.

Mourners had laid his climbing helmet
and shoes on top of the coffin as it went into the cathedral.

Earlier, tributes were paid to the
Explorer Scout and former Maidstone Girls Grammar sixth-former,
from Borough Green.

He was on an organised trip to
the Scottish Highlands with Kent-based Invicta
Mountaineering Club, when he died.

In 2007, he spent every night of
the year sleeping in a tent in his back garden to raise money for
children's hospice Demelza
House.

Sue Piper from the charity said: "He was a very inspiring
youngster and I think you hear a lot of bad publicity about
teenagers these days but when he came along to see us we were all
very taken with his efforts."

Scout Stephen Young dies in mountain accident
>>>