I was first introduced to the DofE when I started going to Westminster House Youth Club. My mother was a firm believer in the value of education and structure, particularly within the area I’m from, Peckham, which is a highly deprived area, notorious for gang crime and drugs. The club invited me to start my DofE at a time when my mother became seriously ill with breast cancer. I seized the opportunity with both hands as I saw this as a way of distracting myself from what was going on at home. On a high returning from my first practice Bronze expedition, I was left devastated with the news that my mother had passed away. I almost gave up but, with the support of my DofE Leader and club, I was encouraged to continue and went on to achieve my Gold. I am so grateful for DofE for helping me through a particularly difficult time in my life.