Thatcham Scout’s passion for paracord raises hundreds for Ukraine

A Thatcham boy has raised more than £400 for Ukraine selling paracord bracelets.

Max Danskin, of the 2nd Thatcham Scouts, has been recognised for his efforts including volunteering in the disability unit at school.

The 14-year-old Kennet pupil found his passion for paracord after taking a climbing session when he was little.

“It tickled my fancy and I have loved it ever since,” he said.

“My parents signed me onto a programme to continue learning. I learned about ropes and knots.

“Going to scouts has helped with that; we made paracord items and I absolutely loved it and I came home and started doing it, watching YouTube videos and tutorials.”

Max is now a qualified climber with NICAS climbing so paracord has become a constant in his life.

It wasn’t until the recent conflict in Ukraine that he realised what good he could do with his skill.

He was awarded the St George’s award from his scout group and is the first person to receive it in 20 years.

He and his father Dan Danskin opened an eBay account and made a listing.

The pair costed it all out to ensure they wouldn’t make any losses and then began buying materials, making and selling their blue and yellow paracord bracelets.

Quickly, “loads of orders” came in and continued to do so after every major news event on the conflict.

“If it is on the news, we will get an order a few days later,” he added.

“It has taught me a lot about money

“It is also very tactile. I have been doing it so much I could now do it with my eyes closed.”

Dan, who is also the Scout chairman, added: “Scout leaders come to Max for help with knots rather than the other way around.”

He said he noticed his son’s confidence grow right from the moment that he joined as a beaver.

“I remember the day,” he said.

“The Beaver leader asked us if Max would like to go for a night away camping.

“There was 16 of them getting on the bus and we had to wave goodbye to Max and he clung to his mum.

“But he came off the bus a day later a completely different child.”

He added: “When Max was very little, six or so, he was very timid, very shy and Scouts brought out the outgoing nature of Max to get stuck in and have a go.”

Max, though just 14-years-old, has very big dreams and says the practical and social skills he has learnt along his journey have already helped him in reaching those goals.

The budding cardiothoracic surgeon also wants to set up his own business, having acquired the relevant skills in his paracord selling.