Surprised Chorley scout gets an offer of support from Bangladeshi man in London

Within moments of Zac Climpson's trip being published by the Chorley Guardian and Lancashire Post, his family was contacted by a Bangladeshi man in London offering his help and support.

Mashreque Meah had seen the story on the web and immediately got in touch with the Climpsons.

The story told how Zac, of Astley Village, has received a place on the West Lancashire Scouts' trip to the Asia Pacific Jamboree in Bangladesh in December 2021.

Due to being in lockdown though, the Explorer Scout has been unable to do much fundraising for the trip.

However Zac, who will be 16 in a few days, has turned his hand to bread making - selling his produce to the local community.

Mum Jane explained how Mashreque came to get in touch.

"He just messaged me through Facebook messenger saying he'd seen it - at that point I didn't know anything had been put online.

"He said he lived out of the area - so he didn't want any bread delivering - but would be happy to help and support in any way.

"He's of Bangladeshir heritage living in London and his wife is a Bangladeshi national and they have a young family."

She added: "He checks for Bangladeshi news periodically just to keep up to date with any news. He was just interested."

Jane said as a result of the contact, they are going to set up a Zoom meeting between the scouts heading out to Bangladesh . . . "talking about Bangladesh culture and whate challengs they face".

Jane continued: "The power of Facebook and the internet - amazing. It's just fabulous.

"You don't expect anything like that, it was a pleasant surprise."

Jane took to social media last week to advertise her son's skills and take orders for his baking treats.

She wrote: "If anybody would like to order a loaf they are £3 each, white or wholemeal, chilli, multi seeded or poppy seed, he's also making iced finger buns, 4 for £2. With free delivery. All bread is made to order in the morning and delivered the same day.

"Obviously we are not a commercial kitchen but we are a pet and smoke free home and are experienced bakers. Please DM me if you would like to support Zac.

"Thank you in advance for supporting a local Explorer Scout on his adventures."

She said: "I thought I'd put an ad on not expecting anything to come of it and the next thing you know I've got an order book. I was quite blown away.

"He's done really well from it. It was just a one off to put it out there and see what happens.

"I was really surprised and grateful for the amount of support from Chorley.

Zac, who attends Parklands High School, Chorley, is due to go to Runshaw College in September.

He is working towards a Duke of Edinburgh silver award after gaining a bronze, for which he had to use cooking skills, together with volunteering and physical tests.

He said he enjoyed baking and that it was good to pass the time in lockdown, while making money for the trip.

Zac, who is with the Intrepid ESU based in Euxton, said he was really looking forward to the trip.

"I can't wait," he said. "The fund raising is quite big."

He will have to raise some £2,500 to make the trip.

Two other Chorley scouts will also be going, one from Astley Village and another from Adlington.

Last year he attended the World Scout Jamboree in West Virginia.

Meanwhile watch out for more dough-raising, bread making from the teenager.

The West Lancs Scouts will attend the 32nd Asia Pacific Region Jamboree in Bangladesh in December 2021 with a visit to India before heading home.

The trip will be three weeks long and will offer young people from West Lancs the opportunity to visit countries that they otherwise would be unlikely to get the opportunity to visit.

It will give them an opportunity to spend eight days with Scouts from around the world and learn about new cultures; improving their global awareness and understanding of the world.

The trip to India would take in the Taj Mahal and see them travel around India, potentially undertaking some kind of community work in country.